Indian Markets Start Weak as Crude Oil Prices Surpass $80

The Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, had a lackluster start to Friday's trade as crude oil prices surged above $80 per barrel. The Nifty 50 opened with a loss of 0.36% at 24,547 points, while the BSE Sensex dropped 0.49% to open at 78,571 points.

Bajaj Finance was the biggest loser in the Nifty 50, plummeting over 4%. Other significant losers included Bajaj Finserv, Shriram Finance, Trent, and Grasim Industries.

The global markets are trading on a mixed note, with Asian peers declining due to rising crude oil prices. The GIFT Nifty is indicating a muted start for Indian markets, down 0.38% at the time of writing.