Oil markets remain sensitive to the risk of further disruption in the Middle East, where reported attacks involving tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and strikes affecting Saudi infrastructure have heightened concern about energy shipments.

Indian equity benchmarks began Monday’s trading session on a cautious note as investors weighed corporate earnings against concerns over elevated crude oil prices. At around 9:18 a.m. IST, the Nifty 50 was down 0.02% at 23,140.5, while the BSE Sensex slipped 0.05% to 74,691.38.

Gold prices moved higher on Monday as softer oil prices offered some relief from inflation concerns. Spot gold rose 0.3% to around US$4,175.60 per ounce, while US gold futures for December delivery gained 0.4% to US$4,196.40. Spot silver increased 0.9% to US$57.54 per ounce, according to early market data.

Crude oil prices retreated on Monday after recently reaching their highest levels since May. Brent crude was reported near US$108 a barrel after falling by about 2%, with expectations of increased Russian fuel exports providing some relief to the supply outlook. The decline followed a US decision to waive certain sanctions and tariffs on Russia, […]

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russian territory, with reports describing more than 1,000 drones launched during the wider operation. Fires were reported at an oil terminal and an oil depot in the St Petersburg region, while damage and disruption were also reported at other facilities.

Fresh Russian attacks on Ukrainian locations have raised concerns over damage to civilian infrastructure and electricity supplies. Ukrainian officials reported strikes on energy, oil and gas facilities across several regions, with households affected by power outages. Separate reports also described damage to residential buildings and other sites.

Indian equity benchmarks advanced on Thursday, supported by buying in information technology, financial and heavyweight stocks. By around 10:12 a.m. IST, the Nifty 50 had climbed 1.15% to 22,881.90, while the BSE Sensex gained 1.21% to 73,656.40.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine will resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, amid growing disagreements with the United States over military strategy and energy supplies. The announcement follows concerns about reduced US intelligence support and the reported weakening of Starlink communications during Russian attacks.

International gold prices remained under pressure as investors assessed stronger US inflation data and the possibility that interest rates could remain elevated for longer. Gold was reported near $4,155 an ounce, while silver traded around $59.04 an ounce in recent market updates.

Indian equity benchmarks advanced on Thursday, supported by buying in information technology, financial and heavyweight stocks. By around 10:12 a.m. IST, the Nifty 50 had climbed 1.15% to 22,881.90, while the BSE Sensex gained 1.21% to 73,656.40.