The rupee on Wednesday strengthened by 16 paise, near four-month high, to 52.97 against the US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange on sustained selling of the American currency by exporters and banks amid increased capital inflows. Forex dealers said increased selling of the American currency by exporters and a higher opening in the equity market also helped the rupee sentiment. The rupee had gained 15 paise to close at Rs.53.13 against the US currency in Tuesday's trade. Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark index Sensex recovered by 86.74 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 19,746.56 in early trade on Wednesday.