India Market Recap

Indian equity benchmarks extended their decline for the second consecutive week, with both the Nifty 50 and Sensex falling around 0.7% during the week. On Friday, the Nifty ended 20.15 points, or 0.08%, higher at 24,252, while the Sensex gained 3.11 points to close at 77,540.83. Markets remained cautious amid global geopolitical concerns, elevated crude prices and weak sentiment. On the technical front, Nifty support is placed in the 24,200–24,100 range, while resistance is seen between 24,400 and 24,500.

US Market Recap

US markets recovered on Friday after the previous session's sharp sell-off. Falling Treasury yields, softer oil prices and stronger-than-expected labour-market data helped improve investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.52%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.43%. The Nasdaq Composite also advanced 0.32%. The recovery reflected renewed buying interest as investors assessed the outlook for interest rates and inflation.

Asian Market Update

Asian markets traded mixed on Monday as investors focused on the US government's planned economic measures against Iran. South Korea's Kospi declined 1.53%, while Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.46%. Australia's ASX 200 bucked the trend and gained 0.25%. Investors are closely watching US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's upcoming announcement on sanctions against Iran, which could have implications for global trade, energy supplies and market sentiment.

Commodity Check

Crude oil prices eased ahead of the expected US announcement on further economic measures against Iran. Brent crude declined 1% to $93.45 per barrel, although prices remain significantly higher this year due to prolonged disruptions in global oil supplies and uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Gold remained near a three-month high, supported by lower bond yields and continued demand for safe-haven assets. Bullion rose as much as 0.5% to above $4,620 per ounce, extending its third consecutive weekly gain. Gold gained more than 5% last week after the US Treasury increased its purchases of long-dated government debt, contributing to lower yields and a weaker dollar.

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