The benchmark Indian equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to witness a sharp downward move on Thursday, tracking negative global signals and heightened geopolitical tensions.
Investor sentiment has turned cautious as multiple risk factors, including surging crude oil prices, escalating conflict in West Asia and persistent inflation concerns, weigh heavily on global markets.
On March 18, domestic markets had ended on a positive note, with the Nifty 50 rising 196.65 points, or 0.83%, to close at 23,777.80, while the Sensex gained 633.29 points, or 0.83%, to settle at 76,704.13.
Early indicators point to significant losses, with Gift Nifty trading near the 23,218 mark, down about 582 points or 2.48% from the previous close of Nifty futures. This suggests a sharply negative start for domestic equities.
Crude oil prices jumped sharply amid rising tensions in West Asia. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained around 3.1% to trade near $99.31 per barrel, while Brent crude surged approximately 4.1% to hover close to $111.59 per barrel. Elevated oil prices may increase inflationary pressures and impact market sentiment.
Geopolitical tensions continue to escalate as the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran enters its third week. Ongoing attacks and counterattacks have raised concerns over potential disruptions to global oil and gas supply, adding to market uncertainty.
Read More: Gift Nifty Today: Sensex and Nifty Likely to Open Higher Amid Positive Global Cues!
Asian equities opened sharply lower on Thursday, mirroring global weakness. Japan’s Nikkei declined around 2.5%, while the Topix fell about 1.8%. South Korea’s Kospi dropped nearly 2.6%, and the Kosdaq slipped around 1.7%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also traded lower by approximately 1.5%.
The US Federal Reserve kept its key interest rates unchanged in the range of 3.5% to 3.75%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated that inflation remains sticky and signalled that interest rate cuts may not be imminent, dampening investor optimism.
US markets closed in negative territory, reflecting investor concerns over inflation and geopolitical risks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 768.11 points, or 1.63%, to 46,225.15. The S&P 500 declined 1.36% to 6,624.70, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.46% to settle at 22,152.42.
With Gift Nifty indicating a steep decline and global headwinds intensifying, domestic markets are likely to face strong selling pressure. Investors may remain cautious in the near term as geopolitical tensions, rising crude prices and macroeconomic uncertainties continue to influence market direction.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Mar 19, 2026, 7:59 AM IST
Team Angel One
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