The Indian rupee today appreciated by 19 (rpt) 19 paise to touch a one-week high of 48.43 against the dollar in early trade on expectations of increased capital inflows as stock markets may open on a strong note in line with other Asian bourses.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic unit rose by 19 paise to 48.43 a dollar. The rupee ended eight paise higher at 48.62/64 a dollar on Friday after the BSE Sensex closed 1.53 per cent higher.

Forex dealers said hopes of increased capital inflows as stock markets may open in positive zone in tandem with other Asian markets, which are up over three per cent in morning trade, mainly supported the rupee movement.