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.

The Indian rupee is likely to remain closely linked to foreign fund flows and crude prices this week. The return of FPIs to Indian equities has provided support to the domestic currency, while uncertainty over energy prices remains a potential source of pressure.

Indian equities are heading into Friday’s session with a positive bias after the RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and maintained its neutral policy stance.

Diplomatic efforts surrounding the Iran conflict are gaining attention after Tehran indicated that discussions with Oman over arrangements for reopening the Strait of Hormuz were nearing completion.

Gold prices in India have moved higher during August, with the latest data showing 24-carat gold around Rs. 1.49 lakh per 10 grams and 22-carat gold near Rs. 1.36 lakh. Gold’s recent strength comes as investors continue to assess geopolitical risks, currency movements and the global interest-rate outlook.

Infrastructure company NCC started FY27 with a rise in quarterly revenue. Consolidated revenue increased around 12.2% YoY to Rs. 4,912 cr., while EBITDA rose 12.4% to Rs. 443 cr. EBITDA margin improved slightly to 9.01%. However, consolidated net profit declined 1.6% to Rs. 187 cr. from Rs. 190 cr. a year earlier.

Indian benchmark indices are expected to open on a positive note after the Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and raised its FY27 economic growth forecast.

Crude oil prices continued to trade below US$80 per barrel after optimism grew over possible progress in negotiations involving the United States and Iran. Expectations that tensions in West Asia could ease have reduced concerns over disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.