<h1>Rupee near record low at 88.79 per dollar as firm dollar demand, trade tensions and importer buying weigh</h1> The rupee edged lower to 88.79 per US dollar, near its record low, amid firm dollar demand, importer purchases and bilateral trade tensions, while limited US economic data due to a government shutdown prompted consolidation. Market forces were partly offset by domestic equity gains, lower oil futures and reported central bank intervention. Analysts expect modest near-term appreciation if domestic markets remain strong and the US central bank signals rate cuts, but a resilient dollar and ongoing trade frictions could cap gains. Foreign investor equity purchases provided limited supportive flow.