<h1>Rupee gains 21 paise to 85.87 against dollar on global weakness, crude oil prices limit further gains</h1> The rupee strengthened 21 paise to 85.87 against the US dollar in early trading, primarily due to a weakened dollar in global markets. The dollar index fell 0.27% to 97.41 amid reports that the US President may announce a Federal Reserve Chairman successor earlier than expected. However, rising crude oil prices and foreign institutional investor outflows limited the rupee's gains. Oil companies and foreign portfolio investors purchased dollars at 85.80 levels. Brent crude rose 1.30% to $68.01 per barrel on strong US inventory drawdown and dollar weakness.