Indian Markets End Flat as Strait of Hormuz Uncertainty Catches Investors Off Guard

Indian stock markets ended marginally higher on Monday despite ongoing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. The BSE Sensex gained 43.27 points, or 0.06%, to close at 78,542.44, while the Nifty 50 rose 13.15 points, or 0.05%, to 24,583.80.

The market's muted finish came despite strong corporate earnings and a softer US jobs report. Investors continued to track the impact of Middle East tensions on crude oil prices, which could increase pressure on India's import bill, inflation, and corporate margins.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, said markets remained 'on a tight leash' due to uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. He added that encouraging corporate earnings were supporting broader sentiment, while softer-than-expected US jobs data reduced the case for further Federal Reserve tightening.

Titan was the top gainer among major Nifty stocks, rising 3.14% to Rs 5,098.20 after strong Q1 results and positive brokerage views. Bajaj Finance gained 1.93%, while Bajaj Finserv rose 1.15%. Tata Steel advanced 1.09%, Asian Paints gained 1.07%, and Infosys rose 0.81%.