The rupee had declined sharply against the US currency.

Reversing its three-day downward trend, the rupee on Thursday recovered by 9 paise to 67.36 against the US dollar in early trade on fresh selling of the American currency by exporters.

Besides, the dollar's weakness against some currencies overseas supported the rupee but a lower opening in the domestic equity market restricted gains, dealers said.

The rupee had declined sharply against the US currency and ended lower by 19 paise to 67.45 in yesterday's trade.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading lower by 54.87 points, or 0.20 per cent, at 26,659.06 in early trade today.