<h1>Rupee gains 15 paise to 85.40 against dollar on weak crude prices and currency decline</h1> The rupee strengthened 15 paise to close at 85.40 against the US dollar, driven by the American currency's decline in overseas markets and weak crude oil prices. Asian currencies gained on renewed hopes of trade deals with the US following a trade agreement announcement with Vietnam. The dollar index fell 0.24% to 96.94, while Brent crude dropped 1.18% to $67.99 per barrel. Analysts expect the rupee to trade between 85.10-85.70, with potential further gains if an India-US trade treaty materializes. The domestic equity market also advanced, with foreign institutional investors selling equities worth Rs 760.11 crore.