Equity Markets Steady Amid Crude Oil and Geopolitical Challenges

The equity markets had a tumultuous session on Monday as investors grappled with ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic variables including high crude oil prices and a weakening domestic currency. Despite early losses, benchmark indices recovered to close nearly flat.

The NSE Nifty 50 ended the day at 23,649.95, marking a slight rise of 6.45 points or 0.03 percent. Similarly, the BSE Sensex also showed resilience, closing up by 77.05 points or 0.10 percent at 75,315.04. The session started with significant declines. Sensex opened at 74,347.68, down 890.31 points or 1.18 percent, while Nifty 50 began at 23,414.20, losing 229.30 points or 0.97 percent, before witnessing a recovery driven by buying in select sectors such as information technology and banking.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, remarked that the ongoing stalemate between the United States and Iran continued to weigh on investor sentiment. However, IT and banking stocks attracted value buying, helping the market bounce back. Global oil prices remained elevated, with Brent crude trading around USD 110 per barrel, further complicating the economic landscape. Meanwhile, the rupee hit a new low of Rs 96.34 against the dollar, reflecting continued pressure on the domestic currency. Sector performances were mixed, with Nifty IT gaining, while Auto, PSU Bank, Media, Metal, and FMCG indices saw declines.

Across Asia, markets presented a mostly negative picture. Japan's Nikkei 225, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, and Taiwan's weighted index all faced declines. However, Singapore's Straits Times and South Korea's KOSPI showed marginal gains, offering a sliver of optimism in an otherwise cautious market environment.

(With inputs from agencies.)