The rupee appreciated 5 paise to 83.45 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, as the American currency retreated from its elevated levels and was supported by significant foreign fund inflows. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 83.48 and gained further to 83.45 against the greenback, registering a rise of 5 paise from its previous close. On Thursday, the rupee pared its initial losses and settled for the day on an almost flat note at 83.50 against the US dollar. Forex traders said rising crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiments and restricted the upside. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, declined 0.37 per cent to USD 87.11 per barrel. "The pressure stems from oil marketing companies purchasing crude in anticipation of further price hikes, with Brent oil hovering around USD 87 per barrel. Additionally, it appears the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is managing the rupee's volatility, capping both its upward and downward ...