<h1>Rupee Drops 9 Paise to 85.73 Against USD Amid Strong Dollar Demand and Foreign Fund Outflows.</h1> The rupee depreciated by 9 paise to close at 85.73 against the US dollar due to strong dollar demand from importers and foreign fund outflows. The dollar maintained its strength from 2024 into the new year, affecting investor sentiment. The rupee experienced an intra-day low of 85.79 and a high of 85.68. Analysts predict a negative bias for the rupee, with potential support from the Reserve Bank of India. Meanwhile, India's manufacturing growth hit a 12-month low, and the domestic equity market saw gains. Foreign Institutional Investors sold Rs 1,782.71 crore, while GST revenue grew by 7.3% in December.