<h1>Domestic currency drops 12 paise amid weak equity markets, rising crude prices, and foreign investor outflows</h1> The domestic currency weakened by 12 paise, settling at 86.52 against the US dollar, influenced by negative domestic equity markets, rising global crude oil prices, and a stronger US dollar. Foreign institutional investors' outflows further pressured the currency. Market uncertainty persists due to pending trade negotiations between the two countries, with potential impacts on exporters if talks fail or are delayed. Upcoming US and Japanese monetary policy decisions and US economic data are expected to influence currency movements. The domestic equity market also declined significantly, with major indices falling and foreign investors offloading equities worth substantial amounts. The currency is projected to trade with a slight negative bias amid geopolitical tensions and trade deal uncertainties.