The rupee appreciated 15 paise to 83.16 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, tracking its Asian peers amid a positive trend in domestic equities. Forex traders said investor sentiments got a boost as crude oil prices retreated from their elevated levels. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 83.23 against the greenback. It later touched 83.16 in initial trade, registering a rise of 15 paise from its previous close. On Monday, the rupee settled on a flat note at 83.31 against the US dollar. Forex and money markets were closed on Tuesday on account of 'Gudhipadwa'. "The Indian rupee is expected to rise to 83.21 levels as the dollar remained sideways and Asian currencies rose this morning," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading at 104.14. Brent crude futures, the globa