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Indian equities began on a cautious note, as rising crude oil prices and escalating tensions between the US and Iran dampened sentiment
Stock Market Today.
Sensex Today: Indian equities began Friday’s session on a cautious note, as rising crude oil prices and escalating tensions between the US and Iran dampened sentiment.
The BSE Sensex was hovering near 82,370 in early trade, down 128 points or 0.16%. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 stood at 25,472, marginally higher by 18 points or 0.07%.
In the broader market, the Nifty Midcap 100 edged up 0.1%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 0.09% in early deals.
Global Cues
Markets across the Asia-Pacific region traded mixed on Friday morning as investors assessed rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell over 1%, while South Korea’s KOSPI advanced more than 1%. Markets in mainland China remained closed for the Lunar New Year holidays.
Overnight, Wall Street ended lower amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, triggering a risk-off sentiment. Investors pulled back from riskier assets, with private credit stocks witnessing notable selling as markets weighed the possibility of US military action.
US President Donald Trump reportedly said Iran had 10–15 days to reach a deal over its nuclear programme, after which he would decide on potential military action.
The S&P 500 declined 0.28%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.54%. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.31% on Thursday.
Commodities
Brent crude hovered near $72 per barrel during the Asian session amid fears of potential supply disruptions from the Middle East due to rising military presence in the region.
On the Intercontinental Exchange, Brent futures were trading 0.2% lower at $71.8 a barrel.
Safe-haven demand lifted precious metals. Gold and silver futures rose 0.31% and 0.8%, respectively, in early trade as geopolitical uncertainty fueled a flight to safety.
According to Bloomberg, the current US military buildup in the region is the largest since the 2003 Iraq War.
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