New Delhi, Dec. 2 -- The Indian rupee came within kissing distance of 90 to a dollar on Tuesday before likely central bank intervention rescued it from the brink, but not before it touched a new all-time low.

The currency fell for the fifth straight day on steep demand from importers and foreign portfolio investors, shedding 42 paise to close at a record low of 89.87 against the dollar. During the day, the rupee fell further to 89.9475; however, as it neared 90 to a dollar, state-owned banks stepped in to sell dollars and capped its fall, traders said, likely on behalf of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Market participants believe the next phase of the currency's trajectory will be determined by a complex mix of global carry trade, Ind...