Overview

• The currency slipped 7 paise from Tuesday’s record close of 88.73, after briefly trading at 88.71 in early deals.
• Traders pointed to enhanced US tariffs on Indian goods and a hike in H‑1B visa fees as key drags on sentiment.
• Exchange data showed FIIs sold Rs 3,551.19 crore in equities on Tuesday, and September net sales total about $1 billion.
• State-run banks were seen selling dollars and the central bank likely stepped into spot and NDF markets to steady the rupee, according to traders.
• Equities eased in early trade, the dollar index ticked up to 97.35, and Brent futures edged to $67.79 a barrel.