<h1>Rupee gains 4 paise to 85.69 against dollar amid India-US trade deal optimism</h1> The rupee strengthened by 4 paise to close at 85.69 against the US dollar, supported by optimism over potential India-US trade deal negotiations. A commerce ministry team plans to visit Washington next week for trade talks covering agriculture and automobile sectors. India seeks removal of additional import duties and easing of tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto sectors. The US has extended additional import duties until August 1. Domestic equity markets closed lower with the Sensex dropping 345.80 points. Foreign institutional investors purchased equities worth Rs 77 crore on a net basis.