The rupee depreciated 10 paise to close at 89.98 against the US dollar on Thursday, the first trading session of 2026, as sustained foreign fund outflows and a negative trend in domestic equities dented investor sentiments.
Forex traders said the USD/INR pair traded in a tight range, as support from easing crude oil prices was offset by a positive tone in the US dollar index and foreign fund outflows.
The Indian rupee declined on the first day of the year, after registering a 5 per cent slump in 2025, as significant fund outflows kept dollar demand elevated and the rupee under pressure.