Indian equity markets closed lower on Friday as geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz weighed on investor sentiment. Sensex fell 516 points to 77,328 while Nifty declined 150 points to 24,176. Foreign institutional investors continued aggressive selling, pushing FII ownership to its lowest level since June 2012. Gold gained 619 rupees amid safe-haven demand, while crude oil dropped 114 rupees. Analysts expect Indian equities to remain sensitive to geopolitical developments in the near term. Despite current headwinds, Emkay Global Research maintains a constructive outlook, anticipating recovery once West Asia tensions ease and macroeconomic conditions stabilize.
