The rupee appreciated 8 paise to 83.49 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, as crude oil prices retreated from their elevated levels. Forex traders said the strength of the American currency in the overseas market and foreign fund outflows weighed on the local unit and restricted the upmove. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 83.56 and gained further ground to trade at 83.49 against the greenback in initial deals, registering an increase of 8 paise from its previous closing level. On Wednesday, the rupee depreciated 14 paise against the US dollar and settled at 83.57. "Stronger fundamentals such as stable inflation, accelerated economic growth, higher business activity, and a controlled Current Account Deficit offer a counterbalance supporting the rupee. Additionally, continuous RBI intervention has also helped prevent significant rupee depreciation," CR Forex Advisors MD Amit Pabari said. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the .