The Indian rupee appreciated by 35 paise to 71.43 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday as gains in domestic equity market and easing crude prices strengthened investor sentiments. Forex traders said reports that half of Saudi Arabia's daily production has been recovered post-attack enthused investors. Saudi Arabia's energy minister has said that more than half of the country's daily crude oil production that was knocked out by an attack had been recovered. He further noted that the production capacity at its targeted plants would be fully restored by the end of the month. At the interbank foreign exchange the rupee opened at 71.47 then gained further ground and touched a high of 71.43, registering a rise of 35 paise over its previous close. On Tuesday, rupee had settled for the day at 71.78 against the US dollar. -- PTI