<h1>Rupee slips 16 paise to 88.66 vs US dollar as stronger dollar, higher crude weigh; equities rise, FIIs sell</h1> The rupee fell 16 paise to 88.66 against the US dollar, pressured by a firmer dollar and higher crude oil prices, after trading between 88.56 and 88.66; it had closed at 88.50 the prior day. The dollar index rose 0.15% to 99.58 amid progress toward ending a US government shutdown, and Brent crude futures gained 0.36% to USD 64.28 per barrel. Renewed optimism about a bilateral trade deal supported the currency at lower levels. Domestic equities advanced sharply, while foreign institutional investors were net sellers of equities worth Rs 803 crore.