The rupee strengthened by 6 paise to 86.06 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, supported by a softer greenback and a slight dip in global crude oil prices.

Forex traders noted that while the weaker dollar aided the rupee, persistent foreign fund outflows limited any significant appreciation.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic currency opened at 85.99 and later slipped slightly to trade at 86.06, marking a 6 paise gain from its previous close. On Thursday, the rupee had closed 20 paise lower at 86.12 against the US dollar.