Mumbai, Nov 17 (PTI) The rupee declined 6 paise to 88.72 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday amid a firm American currency and relentless outflow of foreign capital.

Positive sentiment in domestic equity markets and lower crude oil prices overseas, however, prevented a sharp fall in the Indian currency, forex analysts said.

They said investors are also watching the progress on the proposed India-US trade deal as well as the domestic PMI data to be released later this week.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 88.70 and slipped further to trade at 88.72 against the greenback in initial deals, registering a loss of 6 paise from its previous closing level.

On Friday, the rupee settled 4 paise higher at 88.66 against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, the dollar

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