Indian equity markets poised for weak opening as geopolitical crisis deepens. Gift Nifty signals a gap-down start of around 120 points, with foreign investors continuing to sell amid escalating US-Iran tensions. Rising crude oil prices remain the primary concern, with Brent crude hovering between $105-110 per barrel. Elevated oil costs threaten India's inflation outlook and current account deficit, while sustained rupee weakness adds further pressure on market sentiment. Analysts expect significant downside risk until the Strait of Hormuz situation stabilizes, though they view any weakness as a potential entry opportunity for long-term investors. Pharma and FMCG stocks emerged as outperformers last week despite the broader market correction of 2.5%.
