Global Tensions and Oil Prices Weigh on Indian Equity Markets

Indian equity markets opened lower on Tuesday due to escalating geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices. The BSE Sensex declined 524.12 points, or 0.68 per cent, to trade at 77,092.28, while the broader NSE Nifty 50 fell 145.20 points, or 0.60 per cent, to 24,065.80.

Rising global uncertainties have overshadowed domestic factors, making investor sentiment cautious. Market experts said concerns over escalating military tensions in the Middle East, hawkish signals from central banks, and upcoming inflation data had created a risk-off environment.

Ajay Bagga, a banking and market expert, said 'The global financial landscape is bracing for a highly volatile and tense trading session today.' He noted that weak global cues had already indicated a subdued opening for Indian equities. Asian markets witnessed broad-based losses, with Taiwan Weighted falling 3.81 per cent.

Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research at Kotak Securities, said the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) levels of 24,000 for Nifty and 77,000 for Sensex would act as key support zones for short-term traders. He also noted that a breach below these levels could weaken the prevailing uptrend.