<h1>Currency drops 12 paise to 86.82 amid US dollar rise, crude oil prices, and trade talks uncertainty</h1> The domestic currency depreciated by 12 paise to close at 86.82 against the US dollar, influenced by a rise in the US dollar index and crude oil prices. Increased month-end dollar demand from oil marketing companies and importers added pressure. Market participants remained cautious ahead of upcoming monetary policy decisions by the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. Ongoing trade negotiations between the domestic country and the US, with an approaching deadline, contributed to uncertainty impacting the currency. Foreign institutional investors have significantly offloaded equities, intensifying market volatility. Failure or delay in trade talks may further strain exporters and the currency, while a successful agreement could provide relief. The dollar index and crude oil prices showed marginal increases, and domestic equity markets experienced modest gains despite foreign outflows.