Thursday, 12 November 2026 IPO data updated 24 seconds ago

Indian markets brace for sharp fall as US‑Iran tensions spike; GIFT Nifty signals gap‑down open 📉

Indian markets brace for sharp fall as US‑Iran tensions spike; GIFT Nifty signals gap‑down open 📉

Indian stock markets are set for heavy selling on Monday amid escalating geopolitical tension between the United States and Iran, which has dampened global risk appetite and sent oil prices sharply higher. Early indicators from GIFT Nifty futures showed a significant gap‑down start for the benchmarks, with the index trading around the 25,150‑25,200 level, indicating a weak open for both Sensex and Nifty 50.

The heightened conflict follows US‑Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation, which has raised fears of a broader Middle East war and potential disruptions in global oil supply routes. Brent crude futures surged by double‑digit percentages, jumping to levels not seen in over a year, underscoring concerns over energy security and inflationary risks. The surge in safe‑haven assets like gold also reflected investor anxiety.

Asian markets opened lower, mirroring the weakness seen in the Indian leads. Major indices in Japan and South Korea were down sharply, while global futures hinted at red trading in European and US markets.

The risk‑off sentiment was evident as investors moved money toward low‑risk instruments, while sectors sensitive to economic cycles — including auto, paints and aviation stocks — faced pressure. Meanwhile, crude‑linked sectors could see mixed reactions depending on pricing and import cost impacts.

Overall, mounting geopolitical concerns, rising crude oil prices and weak global market cues combined to create a volatile start for Indian markets, with analysts cautioning that further escalation could keep volatility elevated in the near term. 

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