The rupee weakened 6 paise to quote at 66.45 against the dollar in early trade on Thursday on increased month-end demand for the American currency from importers and banks.

The dollar was firm against major global currencies, which dampened rupee sentiment, but a higher opening of the domestic equity market capped the losses, dealers said.

The rupee had gained one paisa to end at 66.39 on Wednesday on fag-end selling of the US currency by banks.