Rupee rises 9 paise to 82.61 against US dollar in early trade

The Indian rupee strengthened by 9 paise to reach 82.61 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday. This was driven by positive domestic equity markets and robust macroeconomic data. India recorded a GDP growth rate of 7.8% in the April-June period, maintaining its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy.