<h1>Rupee weakens to 88.16 as foreign portfolio outflows, high US tariffs and political remarks pressure markets</h1> The rupee weakened to 88.16 per US dollar amid sustained foreign portfolio outflows and dollar demand, with intraday lows hitting 88.33 before a slight recovery; equities saw FII net selling and indices mixed. The move is attributed to elevated US tariffs on the country's exports, cited as the steepest among regional peers, exacerbating currency and market volatility and prompting warnings of further downside absent tariff relief. A foreign leader's public remark about tariff offers and bilateral trade ties added political pressure. Market commentary flagged near-term technical support/resistance and the risk that unresolved tariff disputes will hinder recovery.