Rupee drops 29 paise to close at 85.90 against US dollar amid risk-off mood, FII outflows

The Indian rupee weakened for the second consecutive session, closing at 85.90 against the US dollar due to risk aversion and foreign fund outflows. The decline was influenced by geopolitical tensions, high crude oil prices, and anticipation of the RBI’s monetary policy decision. Despite the rupee’s fall, Indian equity markets closed higher, while the services sector showed continued expansion.