The rupee appreciated by 19 paise to 85.29 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, supported by easing crude oil prices and continued foreign fund inflows.
However, gains were capped by a strong US dollar and choppy equity markets, as traders remained cautious ahead of the domestic GDP data release.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 85.35 and strengthened further to 85.29 in early deals, marking a 19-paise gain from its previous close.