<h1>Rupee gains 9 paise to 88.51 as crude eases, but FII outflows and strong dollar keep pressure</h1> The rupee strengthened by 9 paise to 88.51 against the US dollar in early trade, driven by lower crude prices despite global equity volatility and a strong dollar; foreign capital outflows from domestic equities also weighed on the currency. Market participants cited upcoming domestic PMI data and uncertainty over a proposed India-US trade agreement as factors affecting sentiment. Brent futures eased, the dollar index ticked up, and major domestic indices slipped while foreign institutional investors recorded net equity sales. A government commerce minister and the US President indicated progress toward a balanced trade pact, tempering market expectations.