Rupee falls to 3-month low at 86.72/$

The rupee depreciated for the third consecutive session, closing at 86.72 against the dollar, a 24 paise drop, hitting its weakest level since mid-March. This decline was fueled by importer dollar demand, weak domestic equities, and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly concerns about potential US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. The dollar index edged higher amid safe-haven flows.