Indian markets traded lower Monday as crude oil prices and US-Iran tensions pressured investor sentiment. The Sensex fell 0.21 percent to 73,166.58 while Nifty 50 dropped 0.10 percent to 22,691.25 after opening higher. Energy stocks bore the brunt of selling, with Reliance Industries plummeting 4.32 percent and ONGC declining 1.98 percent despite elevated crude prices. MCX crude held above 10,350 rupees while US oil hovered near 110-112 dollars per barrel at critical resistance levels. Market analysts noted that geopolitical uncertainty continues to constrain investor confidence. On the positive side, Trent surged 6.53 percent while Titan gained 3.12 percent. The rupee traded around 92.80-93 supported by RBI intervention. With crude prices elevated and geopolitical risks persisting, markets appear reactive rather than directional in the near term.
