Synopsis : Indian markets opened lower and remain volatile as the Israel-Iran conflict escalates despite global calls for de-escalation. Nifty trades near 24,900 while small and midcaps show relative strength amid geopolitical tensions.
Tensions Abroad, Caution at Home: Markets Volatile but Calm
Mumbai, June 18 – Indian stock markets traded in a narrow yet volatile range on Thursday as tensions between Israel and Iran continued to dominate investor sentiment. The NSE Nifty 50 opened 58 points lower at 24,795, and the BSE Sensex dropped 240 points to 81,344 amid global uncertainty. However, the broader markets remained resilient, with midcap and smallcap indices holding steady.
The Bank Nifty also mirrored the sentiment, sliding 120 points to 55,595, while Nifty Midcap 100 opened 154 points down at 58,225.
Analysts Weigh In
According to VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit, “There’s no panic. Markets seem to believe the conflict will not deeply impact global economic dynamics.” He emphasized the post-Covid bull rally, pointing out that Indian markets have historically bounced back amid geopolitical challenges.
Shrikant Chouhan of Kotak Securities cautioned traders, citing a bearish intraday setup. “Weak sentiment may persist below 24,900, with immediate support near 24,775. A drop below this could drag Nifty down to 24,625,” he warned.
Top Gainers & Losers
Top Gainers (Nifty 50):
IndusInd Bank
ONGC
M&M
Trent
Shriram Finance
Top Losers (Nifty 50):
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Power Grid Corp
NTPC
JSW Steel
HDFC Bank
Geopolitical Tensions Deepen
The Israel-Iran military conflict has now entered its sixth day, with missile exchanges continuing between the two nations. In a stark message, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran to surrender unconditionally, warning that while the U.S. knows the location of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, they are not targeting him—for now.
Trump also emphasized the need to avoid civilian and military casualties but noted that U.S. patience is wearing thin.
Strategic Shift: India Eyes Australia for Rare-Earths
As global supply chains remain under stress, India is reportedly exploring rare-earth magnet imports from Australia, potentially reducing its dependency on China for key materials used in electronics, EVs, and defense technologies. This could become a strategic pivot point if the geopolitical situation escalates further.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
