Indian Stock Market Set for Negative Open Amid Middle East Tensions

The Indian stock market is expected to start on a negative note on Monday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Asian markets opened mixed, while US stock futures rose slightly higher.

GIFT Nifty trading near 23,321 and the Nifty's previous close of 23,346.40 indicates a flat-to-negative opening for Indian equities.

Brent crude's retreat to around $102 a barrel offers some relief from elevated prices, but the unresolved Middle East conflict leaves the market vulnerable to renewed flare-ups and supply disruptions.

Sensex fell 0.65% to end at 74,294.46, while the Nifty declined 0.22% to settle at 23,346.40 last week due to concerns about inflationary impact of higher energy costs.