The rupee appreciated 3 paise to 82.99 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, amid a positive trend in domestic equities. Forex traders said rupee is trading in a narrow range as strong American currency and elevated crude oil prices weighed on the local unit and restricted the uptick in the domestic unit. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic currency opened at 83.00, then touched 82.99 against the greenback in initial deals, registering a rise of 3 paise from its previous close. On Wednesday, the rupee appreciated 6 paise to close at 83.02 against the US dollar. "In the ongoing tug-of-war between positive and negative factors influencing the market, there is a tilt towards the positive aspects favouring the rupee," CR Forex Advisors MD- Amit Pabari said. Momentum suggests the pair will likely consolidate within the narrow range of 82.80 to 83.10, with any upward movement above 83 seen as a selling opportunity, Pabari said. "Overall, market sentiment was buo