Indian markets poised for weak opening as geopolitical tensions spike oil prices. Fresh attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and Iraqi waters triggered an 8.2 percent surge in crude oil, with Brent futures climbing to $98.5 a barrel. GIFT Nifty futures signal Nifty 50 will open below Wednesday's close of 23,866.85, extending losses amid inflation concerns and dampened rate-cut expectations. The Nifty and Sensex have each declined approximately 5 percent since the conflict began. Foreign institutional investors sold Indian shares worth $646.7 million on Wednesday, while domestic investors purchased $46.14 billion. Even the International Energy Agency's historic 400 million barrel reserve release failed to stabilize markets as supply disruption fears persist across global energy markets.
