Mumbai, Nov 6 (PTI) Continuing its rising streak for the third straight session, the Indian rupee today closed higher by 22 paise at 46.80/81 against the US currency on persistent dollar selling by exporters and banks amid a strong equity market.

Forex dealers said hopes of increased capital inflows into the local equity market mainly boosted the rupee sentiment. The BSE benchmark Sensex today shot up by 94.38 points or 0.59 per cent from its previous close.

In the overseas market, the dollar eased slightly which also led to the rise in rupee. Activity in the market was muted ahead of the US non-farm payrolls data -- the last big event risk of the week after a round of central bank decisions which broadly weighed on the dollar.

Meanwhile, crude oil prices climbed back above USD 80 a barrel in the overseas market.