Global Markets React to Geopolitical Tensions as Crude Oil Prices Remain High

According to Harisilvan Radhakrishnan, Founder & CEO, HST Wealth, crude oil prices continue to be the main concern. Brent crude remains near US $88 / bbl after fresh US warnings against Iran on Friday. This has kept geopolitical risk premiums in energy markets firmly in place. This situation is negatively impacting market sentiment. Among Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei 225, Shanghai's SSE Composite Index and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index were trading higher. In contrast, US markets closed lower on Friday. A mixed performance from global markets is also impacting the Indian market. Ponmudi R, CEO, Enrich Money, said that the Indian equity market is expected to remain range-bound with a cautious stance. Continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are disrupting risk-taking trends. According to exchange data, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth ₹0.002 crore on Friday.