<h1>Rupee gains seven paise to 88.22 on domestic optimism, India-US trade hopes and easing crude; importer demand caps upside</h1> The rupee appreciated seven paise to close at 88.22 against the US dollar, driven by positive domestic markets, optimism over a prospective India-US trade deal and easing crude prices, though importer dollar demand limited gains. Market participants noted caution ahead of the US Federal Open Market Committee decision. Analysts projected a USD/INR trading range of 87.85-88.60. The dollar index and Brent crude rose marginally. Domestic equities advanced while foreign institutional investors sold equities worth approximately Rs 2,540 crore. Industrial production growth was reported steady at 4% in September, supported by manufacturing and GST-related and seasonal demand.