<h1>Local currency slips 18 paise to 86.88 vs USD amid dollar demand and foreign fund outflows</h1> The local currency depreciated by 18 paise to 86.88 against the US dollar in early trading due to increased month-end dollar demand and ongoing foreign fund outflows. Importers' demand for dollars kept the currency under pressure, while lackluster domestic equity performance and sustained foreign institutional investor sell-offs further weakened market sentiment. The central bank appears to be intervening intermittently to support the currency but allows a gradual decline. Concurrently, the dollar index rose slightly, and global oil prices increased marginally amid easing tariff concerns. Domestic equity indices showed minor gains despite significant foreign investor withdrawals.