The rupee appreciated 9 paise to 82.95 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday as market participants remained cautious ahead of the interim Budget. Forex traders said the rupee was trading in a narrow range as the strength of the American currency in the overseas market and a muted trend in domestic equities weighed on investor sentiments. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 83.02 against the dollar and then touched a high of 82.95, registering a gain of 9 paise over its previous close. In initial trade, the rupee also touched a low of 83.03 against the American currency. On Wednesday, the rupee appreciated 6 paise to 83.04 against the US dollar. Forex traders said rupee traded in a narrow range and market participants remained cautious ahead of the interim Budget. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.24 per cent higher at 103.52. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell