<h1>Rupee gains 22 paise to 85.72 against dollar on lower crude prices and foreign inflows</h1> The rupee strengthened 22 paise to 85.72 against the US dollar in early trading, recovering from Monday's 54-paise decline to 85.94. The recovery was driven by falling global crude oil prices, a weaker dollar, foreign institutional investor inflows, and positive domestic equity markets. Treasury officials noted dollar demand from oil companies and importers, with potential central bank intervention supporting the currency. Brent crude fell 0.37% to $69.32 per barrel amid oversupply concerns and tariff uncertainties. The dollar index declined 0.19% to 97.29, while domestic equity indices traded higher with foreign investors purchasing equities worth Rs 321.16 crore.