Nifty set to open lower as oil hits near-six-week high on US-Iran strikes
GIFT Nifty at 24,033.5; Brent jumps 2% to $96.6 on renewed West Asia escalation
Indian shares are expected to open lower on Wednesday, mirroring the downward trend observed in global markets. This anticipated decline stems from a surge in oil prices, which reached a near-six-week peak following a series of strikes by the US and Iran overnight. The heightened tensions in West Asia have renewed concerns over inflation and its potential impact on emerging markets.
As of 7:38 am IST, GIFT Nifty futures stood at 24,033.5 points, signaling a negative start for the Nifty 50 index, which closed at 24,055.8 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil prices experienced a 2% increase, surging to $96.6 per barrel. This sharp rise in oil prices has triggered a drop in Asian markets and has led to a rise in global bond yields due to concerns about a potential US rate hike in the near term. This prospect of higher interest rates could make emerging markets less appealing to global investors.
The US recently announced a series of airstrikes against targets in Iran, which prompted an Iranian response, further escalating the ongoing tensions in the region. Analysts suggest that a prolonged disruption to energy supplies in West Asia could keep oil prices elevated, contributing to sustained inflationary pressures. Such conditions could reinforce expectations of tighter global monetary policies, thereby weighing on risk assets.
Indian stock markets, represented by the Nifty and Sensex, have seen a decline of 0.5% and 0.4% over the past two trading sessions, respectively. These downward movements have been attributed to broader global uncertainties, overshadowing any positive economic growth data. Among individual stocks, Gland Pharma is drawing attention after the US drug regulator completed its inspection of the company's facilities in Visakhapatnam, finding no issues.
Additionally, Coal India is set to sell a 10% stake in Mahanadi Coalfields through an initial public offering, while engineering firm EMS is expected to make a move following a significant contract. Furthermore, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank's CEO, Sanjeev Nautiyal, has stepped down due to health concerns, and the bank has appointed executive director Carol Furtado as interim CEO, effective from September 1.
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