Rupee appreciates 9 paise to 83.88 against US dollar in early trade

Rupee appreciated 9 paise to 83.88 against the US dollar in morning trade on Thursday, supported by the weakness of the American currency in the overseas market and a positive trend in domestic equities.

Forex traders said market is awaiting cues from the US GDP and the US Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) inflation data, as this data point is crucial as it could sway the Federal Reserve's decision on whether to implement a 25 or 50 basis point rate cut at its September meeting.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 83.92, then gained ground to touch 83.88, registering a rise of 9 paise from its previous close.

On Wednesday, the rupee depreciated 4 paise to close at 83.97 against the American currency.

"The rupee is in the midst of a tug-of-war between positive and negative factors. With the Reserve Bank firmly in control, the rupee is expected to trade within a narrow range in the near term, with the upside likely capped around 83.80 and strong ..