Sensex, Nifty Tumble as West Asia Conflict, US Rate Hike Concerns Mount

The Indian stock market saw a decline in early trading on Monday due to concerns over escalating West Asia conflict, rising crude oil prices, and a potential US interest rate hike.

The Sensex dropped 172.77 points to 76,342.66, while the Nifty declined 63.30 points to 23,832.60.

Elevated crude oil prices, driven by escalating US-Iran hostilities, are a significant concern for domestic investor sentiment.

'Friday's US jobs report came in far stronger than expected, reviving concerns over a possible interest-rate hike,' said Hariselvan Radhakrishnan, Founder & CEO of HST Wealth.

The next major catalyst comes on Friday with the release of US inflation data, which is expected to influence Federal Reserve rate expectations and global risk sentiment.