Gift Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Likely to Open Sharply Lower Amid Global Selloff

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open significantly lower on Monday, tracking weak global cues and heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia. 

Investor sentiment remains under pressure due to a sharp rise in crude oil prices and continued uncertainty across global markets. Escalating tensions in the Middle East have added to concerns over inflation and economic stability. 

In the previous trading session on March 27, the Nifty 50 declined 486.85 points, or 2.09%, to close at 22,819.60. The Sensex also dropped 1,690.23 points, or 2.25%, ending the session at 73,583.22. 

Gift Nifty Signals Weak Opening 

Gift Nifty was trading at 22,557.5 as of early morning trade, down 269.5 points or 1.18%. It had earlier fallen over 350 points, indicating a sharp gap-down opening for domestic indices. 

The weak signal from Gift Nifty reflects cautious investor sentiment amid global uncertainties and rising energy prices. 

Crude Oil Surge Weighs on Markets 

Crude oil prices remain a key concern, with Brent crude trading around $115 per barrel after a sharp rally. Prices have surged significantly over the past month due to supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions. 

Higher crude oil prices could increase inflationary pressures and impact corporate margins, thereby weighing on equity markets. 

Asian Markets Decline Sharply 

Asian markets opened deep in the red on Monday, mirroring global risk-off sentiment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined nearly 4%, while the Topix also fell sharply. 

South Korea’s Kospi plunged over 5%, and the Kosdaq index dropped close to 4%. Hong Kong futures also signal a weak opening, reflecting broad-based selling across the region. 

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US Markets End Lower 

US markets closed sharply lower on Friday amid concerns over rising oil prices and geopolitical risks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 793.47 points, or 1.73%, to 45,166.64. 

The S&P 500 dropped 1.67% to close at 6,368.85, marking a seven-month low, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 2.15% to end at 20,948.36. 

US futures also traded lower on Monday, indicating continued weakness in global equities. 

FII and DII Activity 

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers, offloading equities worth ₹4,084.88 crore. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided some support, buying shares worth ₹3,338.71 crore. 

Currency Market Update 

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar, depreciating 0.88% to close at 94.81. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index remained largely stable near the 100 mark. 

Conclusion 

Markets are likely to remain under pressure in the near term, with global cues, crude oil price movements and geopolitical developments playing a crucial role. Investors are expected to stay cautious as volatility persists across asset classes. 

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