17 August,2026 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday, weighed down by rising crude oil prices and continued geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Investors remained cautious as higher energy prices raised concerns over inflation and market sentiment.
The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 284.85 points to 77,717.05 during initial trading. The 50-share NSE Nifty fell 69.25 points to 24,297.05.
A rise in global crude oil prices remained one of the major factors influencing market sentiment. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading 0.43 per cent higher at USD 88.86 per barrel during early trade.
Higher crude prices can weigh on Indian equities because India relies heavily on imports to meet its energy requirements. A sustained rise in oil prices can also put pressure on inflation and the country's import bill, adding to concerns among investors.
"Crude oil remains the principal concern, with Brent holding near USD 88 a barrel after renewed US warnings against Iran pushed prices higher on Friday, keeping the geopolitical risk premium firmly embedded in energy markets," Hariselvan Radhakrishnan, Founder & CEO of HST Wealth, a research analyst firm, said.
The decline in the domestic market was broad-based, with several major stocks from the Sensex pack trading in negative territory during the opening session.
Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever and State Bank of India were among the biggest laggards on the 30-share index.
Bharat Electronics and Titan were the only stocks from the Sensex pack trading higher during the early session.
The movement in IT stocks also contributed to the weakness in benchmark indices, with major technology companies among the stocks facing selling pressure.
Persistent geopolitical tensions in West Asia continued to weigh on investor sentiment. Market participants have been closely watching developments in the region, particularly their potential impact on crude oil supplies and global energy markets.
Concerns over higher oil prices have added to the cautious mood in Indian equities, particularly as investors assess the possible impact on inflation, corporate costs and economic growth.
"Indian equity markets are expected to remain range-bound with a cautious bias as persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to restrain risk appetite," Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth-tech firm, said.
The weakness in Indian equities came despite a mixed-to-positive trend across major Asian markets. Japan's Nikkei 225, the Shanghai SSE Composite index and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index were trading higher during the session.
US markets, however, ended lower on Friday, adding to the cautious tone in global markets at the start of the new week.
Investors are also expected to track global oil prices, geopolitical developments and overseas market trends for further cues during the trading session.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained active in the Indian equity market. According to exchange data, FIIs bought equities worth Rs 508.12 crore on Friday.
Domestic market participants are also keeping a close watch on foreign fund flows as sustained buying or selling by overseas investors can influence market direction, particularly during periods of heightened global uncertainty.
The Indian benchmark indices had also ended lower in the previous session. On Friday, the Sensex declined 70.71 points, or 0.09 per cent, to settle at 78,009.25, while the Nifty fell 29.85 points, or 0.12 per cent, to close at 24,366.
(With inputs from PTI)
