Rupee edges higher; options market gauge turns most bearish in over a month

The Indian rupee strengthened modestly on Wednesday against the U.S. dollar. Easing U.S. Federal Reserve rate hike bets supported the rupee's upward movement. Elevated oil prices and Middle East tensions caused trader caution and market anxiety. The Reserve Bank of India's daily reference rate saw significant dollar selling. Bond yields fell after softer U.S. inflation data dampened rate hike expectations.