<h1>Domestic currency slips 18 paise to 87.25 vs US dollar as strong dollar and rising crude curb gains</h1> The domestic currency pared early gains and closed 18 paise lower at 87.25 against the US dollar, pressured by a stronger greenback and rising crude oil futures. Traders said initial risk-on sentiment from easing trade tensions and hopes of a truce overseas supported the currency intraday, but dollar strength and higher oil weighed on gains. An analyst at a brokerage noted import demand and prospective US policy signals ahead of an influential central-bank symposium could limit appreciation, with a near-term trading band around 86.90-87.50. Domestic equities rose for a sixth session while foreign institutional investors sold equities worth about Rs 1,100 crore.