<h1>Rupee falls to 88.79 per dollar as importer demand, FII outflows and global policy uncertainty weigh; RBI signals possible easing</h1> The rupee depreciated to 88.79 per US dollar amid importer dollar demand, sustained foreign institutional outflows and international trade and policy uncertainties, including a reported foreign visa-fee issue and a US government shutdown. The central bank left key rates unchanged but signalled potential future easing to mitigate tariff- and growth-related risks. Market impacts included intraday volatility near historic lows, equity indices' modest gains, higher crude futures and net FII equity sell-offs. Analysts forecast a constrained trading range for the currency, noting that importer demand and external factors may cap sharp appreciation despite dollar weakness and softer global oil prices.