<h1>Rupee gains eight paise to 88.21 on strong markets, India-US trade optimism and easing crude oil prices</h1> The rupee appreciated eight paise to close at 88.21 against the US dollar, supported by strong domestic markets, optimism over an India-US trade deal, and easing crude oil prices, while importer dollar demand and caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy decision limited gains. The currency traded between 88.15 and 88.35 during the day after a prior-day 10-paise depreciation. The dollar index and Brent crude rose modestly, domestic equity benchmarks advanced, foreign institutional investors made sizeable purchases, and industrial production showed steady year-on-year growth, driven by manufacturing and festive-season demand.