INR vs USD, Jan. 16 -- The rupee continued its downward trend for the third consecutive session, depreciating by 10 paise to reach 90.44 against the US dollar during early trading on Friday.

This decline was influenced by a continuous outflow of foreign investments and a strong dollar. However, lower crude oil prices and a positive sentiment in the equity market helped to cushion the fall of the domestic currency, according to forex traders, as per Reuters news report.

In the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee began trading at 90.37 but soon fell further to 90.44 against the dollar, which is 10 paise lower than the previous day's closing level.

On Wednesday, the rupee decreased by 11 paise to finish at 90.34 against the US do...