<h1>Rupee Gains 12 Paise to 85.86/USD on Strong Inflows; FIIs Buy 7,470.36 Crore in Equities</h1> The rupee appreciated by 12 paise to 85.86 against the US dollar in early trade due to strong domestic inflows, despite ongoing risks such as crude oil price volatility and liquidity constraints. Foreign institutional investors purchased equities worth Rs 7,470.36 crore, driven by the FTSE March review and fundraising activities. State-run enterprises and Indian states raised significant funds through debt sales, while Non-Banking Financial Companies issued bonds, boosting liquidity. The US dollar index was slightly higher, and Brent crude traded lower. The BSE Sensex and Nifty saw gains, and the country's forex reserves increased to USD 654.271 billion.