The rupee pared intraday losses to settle 3 paise higher at 88.63 (provisional) against the U.S. dollar on Monday (November 17, 2025), tracking firm domestic equity markets and lower global crude oil prices.

However, a strong greenback against major currencies overseas and foreign fund outflows weighed on the domestic unit, according to forex traders.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 88.70 and hit the intra-day high of 88.56 and the low of 88.73 against the dollar.

The unit finally settled at 88.63 (provisional) against the dollar, registering a gain of 3 paise from its previous closing level.

On Friday (November 14, 2025), the rupee settled 4 paise higher at 88.66 against the U.S. currency.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.29% higher at 99.29.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading 0.81% lower at $63.87 per barrel in futures trade.

On the domestic equity market front, Sensex soared 388.17 points or 0.46% to settle at 84,950.95, while Nifty climbed 103.40 points or 0.40% to 26,013.45.

The latest government data released on Monday (November 17, 2025) showed India’s exports contracted 11.8% to $34.38 billion in October. Imports, on the other hand, jumped 16.63% to $76.06 billion, widening the trade deficit to $41.68 billion.

Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth ₹4,968.22 crore on Friday (November 14, 2025), according to exchange data.

The rupee rose 3 paise to 88.72 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Tuesday (September 30, 2025) on the back of a fall in crude oil prices and positive sentiments in the domestic equity markets.

However, a marginally stronger greenback, coupled with FII outflows, prevented sharper gains in the local unit, according to forex traders. They added that the markets are awaiting the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) Monetary Policy Committee decision, which will be announced on Wednesday (October 1, 2025).

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 88.73 against the U.S. dollar before inching up to 88.72, higher by 3 paise from its previous close.

Rupee consolidated in a narrow range and settled lower by 3 paise at 88.75 against the greenback on Monday (September 29, 2025).

“FPIs continue to be sellers in equity markets taking rupee down whenever it rises and with no further news on the India-US trade treaty, markets are awaiting the RBI’s policy decision on Wednesday (October 1, 2025),” Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, said.

The RBI meeting is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the U.S. imposing 50% tariffs on Indian shipments.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading at 97.94, higher by 0.04%.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading 0.79% lower at $67.43 per barrel in futures trade.

“Brent fell on increased supply from Kurdistan exports to Turkey, with OPEC+ preparing for another rise in production in November and the possible U.S. shutdown also reducing the consumption,” Mr. Bhansali said.

On the domestic equity market front, markets bounced back in early trade with the Sensex climbing 312.88 points to 80,677.82 and the Nifty rising 96.9 points to 24,731.80.

Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded equities worth ₹2,831.59 crore on Monday (September 29, 2025), according to exchange data.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has announced the imposition of a 100% tariff on branded or patented drugs entering the U.S. from October 1, except for pharmaceutical companies building manufacturing plants in the U.S.

The exemption covers projects where construction has started, including sites that have broken ground or are under construction.