The rupee on Tuesday appreciated by 12 paise to Rs 46.68 a dollar in early trade, supported by fresh capital inflows by foreign funds.

The rupee had closed at a three-week low of 46.80/81 against the US dollar on Monday.

Dealers said fresh capital inflow into equities by foreign funds provided support to the rupee.

Firming Asian currencies against the dollar also boosted the rupee sentiment, they added.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange index, Sensex rose by 81.44 points to 18,132.22 points in opening trade.