<h1>Rupee Rises to 86.79 Against Dollar as US Currency, Crude Prices Drop; Forex Traders Note USD/INR Bias</h1> The rupee appreciated by 19 paise to 86.79 against the US dollar in early trade, as the American currency and crude oil prices declined. Forex traders noted a negative bias for the USD/INR pair due to a muted trend in domestic equities and continuous foreign fund outflows affecting investor sentiment. The rupee opened at 86.88 and strengthened to 86.79. The US dollar index was down 0.16%, and Brent crude fell 0.34% to USD 75.78 per barrel. India's economy is expected to gain momentum, but a strong dollar could increase capital outflows and external vulnerabilities.