Mumbai (PTI): The rupee stayed range-bound and settled 2 paise higher at 83.24 against the US dollar on Tuesday even as weak domestic equity markets and sustained foreign fund outflows weighed on investor sentiments.

Crude oil prices hovering below USD 88 a barrel supported the local currency, forex traders said.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 83.26 and finally settled at 83.24 against the greenback, registering a gain of 2 paise from its previous close.

During the day, the rupee witnessed range-bound trade reaching the peak of 83.25 and hitting the lowest level of 83.27 against the American currency.

On Monday, the rupee settled 1 paisa lower at 83.26 against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading higher by 0.53 per cent at 106.68 on Tuesday.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.22 per cent to USD 87.64 per barrel.

According to Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, rupee was in yesterday's range as buyers of dollar "continued with their buying and RBI on its part continued to sell dollar".

"Brent oil was on the downside as economic worries from China and FED rate anxiety as well as Venezuela oil sales kept the commodity down," Bhansali said.

Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, said, "Investors may remain cautious ahead of the FOMC meeting later this week. USD/INR spot price is expected to trade in a range of Rs 83 to Rs 83.60."

On the domestic equity market front, the BSE Sensex closed 237.72 points or 0.47 per cent lower at 63,874.93. The broader NSE Nifty declined 61.30 points or 0.32 per cent to 19,079.60.

According to exchange data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital market on Tuesday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 696.02 crore.

Meanwhile, the government data showed the growth of eight key infrastructure sectors slowed down to a 4-month low of 8.1 per cent in September 2023 against 8.3 per cent a year ago.

According to another data, the central government's fiscal deficit touched 39.3 per cent of the full year target in the first half of the current financial year, slightly higher than 37.3 per cent recorded in the year-ago period.

Retail inflation for industrial workers eased to 4.72 per cent in September, compared to 6.91 per cent in August this year, according to labour ministry data released on Tuesday.

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Hyderabad: Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his condolences on the passing of SM Syed Khalil, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Bhatkal. In a tweet, Owaisi referred to Syed Khalil as “Khalil Bhau,” fondly acknowledging his significant contributions to the Nawayat community and his work for the poor and needy.

“My condolences to the family of SM Syed Khalil saheb. He was affectionately called as Khalil Bhau, a great personality from the Nawayat Community. He headed many social organizations and helped many poor and needy people. A great loss to the people of Bhatkal. Will miss you, Khalil Bhau,” Owaisi tweeted.

SM Syed Khalil, who passed away in Dubai early Thursday morning after a brief illness, was a respected leader in the Nawayat community and a source of pride for Bhatkal. Known for his extensive contributions to international trade, education, and social service, Khalil’s life was marked by a commitment to uplift the underprivileged and strengthen community ties.

Among his many achievements, Syed Khalil was the Founder Chairman of K&K Enterprises in Sharjah and played a pivotal role in the success of the Galadari Company in Dubai over three decades. He also served as the Chairman of Madhyama Communications Ltd., Mangalore, and was actively involved in promoting Kannada and Konkani languages and culture.

In Bhatkal, he was a guiding force behind institutions like Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen and Rabita Society, where he championed girls’ education and worked to improve opportunities for the community. His leadership, humility, and compassion earned him widespread respect, and his contributions extended far beyond Bhatkal, touching lives across Karnataka and beyond.