The rupee depreciated by 8 paise to 69.73 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday on increased demand for the US currency from importers.

Besides, strength in dollar against major rival currencies on stronger US payroll data and rising crude prices also kept pressure on the Indian rupee, dealers said.

However, a higher opening in domestic equities helped in restricting the slide in the Indian unit to some extent, they added.

The rupee opened at 69.65 at the interbank forex market and then fell further to 69.73, down 8 paise over its last close. The local currency, however, pared the initial loss and was trading at 69.66 at 0947 hours.

The rupee had declined by 44 paise to close at 69.67 against the US dollar on Monday.

Meanwhile, foreign investors (FIIs) remained net buyers in the capital markets, putting in Rs 329.60 crore on a net basis on Monday, as per provisional data.