Indian equity benchmarks are expected to open around flat levels today after a weak session on Tuesday. The Sensex fell 388 points to 78,154, while the Nifty 50 declined 112 points to 24,471.70, as higher crude prices and uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict weighed on investor sentiment.

Gold remains firmly on investors’ radar as geopolitical uncertainty continues across West Asia. The continued standoff around the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over the US-Iran negotiations are encouraging investors to retain exposure to traditional safe-haven assets.Gold remains firmly on investors’ radar as geopolitical uncertainty continues across West Asia.

Indian benchmark indices are expected to begin Tuesday’s session on a cautious note as global markets remain subdued and investors assess the latest corporate earnings.

The conflict involving the US and Iran continues to influence global markets after Tehran outlined new conditions linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has said that passage through the strategic waterway could involve service fees and has demanded changes in US policy as part of any arrangement.

Precious metals continue to attract investor attention as geopolitical uncertainty remains elevated. Recent domestic market data showed gold and silver maintaining strong levels, with 24-carat gold around Rs. 15,199 per gram and silver around Rs. 234.36 per gram on Monday.

Indian equity markets are expected to begin Monday’s session on a cautious note as rising crude prices and renewed geopolitical concerns weigh on sentiment. The Sensex had ended the previous week at 78,499.17, while the Nifty closed at 24,570.65, registering weekly gains of 0.52% and 0.77%, respectively.

Foreign portfolio investors have made a strong return to Indian equities, investing around Rs. 12,921 cr. during the first week of August. The inflow follows an investment of approximately Rs. 20,200 cr. in July and marks a notable turnaround after four consecutive months of heavy selling.

Precious metals remain in focus on Monday as investors continue to balance geopolitical risks against changing expectations for global interest rates. According to early domestic market data, gold was around Rs. 1,52,160 per 10 grams, while silver was around Rs. 2,32,660 per kg.

Oil prices moved higher as uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz increased. Iran has linked the restoration of normal shipping through the critical waterway to concessions from the United States, creating fresh concerns over the security of global energy supplies.

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia have widened after Iran-aligned Houthi forces claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region. The incident adds another layer of risk to an already fragile regional situation involving Iran, the US and Israel.