brent crude

Oil prices dipped Tuesday as Iran and Israel paused attacks, easing immediate supply disruption fears. This followed a sharp rise on Monday amid renewed Middle East tensions. Despite the de-escalation, concerns linger over the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi actions impacting Red Sea shipping. OPEC+ agreed to boost output, but analysts doubt its effectiveness due to production struggles.

Oil prices saw a slight dip Friday as Middle East ceasefire hopes dimmed after Hezbollah rejected a US-backed proposal. Despite this, benchmarks are set for their first weekly gain in three weeks, buoyed by ongoing regional tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Conflicting signals from the region and declining global inventories are keeping investors cautious, suggesting continued price volatility.

“Oil prices will be lower if Hormuz reopens earlier. Uncertainty remains high regarding the timing of Hormuz reopening, and oil prices will remain volatile as a result,” Fitch says.

The Indian rupee strengthened by 20 paise against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, opening at 95.47. This gain was attributed to easing oil prices, a weaker US dollar index, and a de-escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran. Domestic equity markets also traded higher, reflecting positive sentiment.

Oil prices fluctuated as US-Iran talks showed signs of progress, clashing with US military strikes on Iranian missile sites and vessels. Hopes for the Strait of Hormuz reopening were dampened by fresh clashes, adding to market uncertainty after a major energy shock.

Oil prices remained elevated as markets awaited confirmation of a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, with brent crude trading near $100 per barrel. Asian shares rose, led by Japan's Nikkei hitting a record high, though caution persisted regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict on global energy markets.

Selling was widespread across the market. Every stock in the Sensex basket traded in negative territory. The weakness was equally visible beyond the benchmark indices. The Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 both lost more than 1%, reflecting a broad risk-off mood among investors.

Both the Sensex and Nifty declined more than 1% as investor sentiment weakened amid growing concerns over the Iran-US conflict, continued foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows and a host of other market challenges.

Oil prices saw a slight uptick as US-Iran talks and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz created market jitters. Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran fueled uncertainty, with traders closely watching any progress or breakdown in negotiations. Developments around the crucial energy route remain a key focus, impacting global supply routes and risk sentiment.

The rupee opened lower against the dollar, influenced by a stronger greenback, rising crude oil prices, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This decline followed a strong gain on Friday, as investors remained cautious ahead of key US economic data and potential Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.

Middle East tensions surged, pushing oil prices up over 3% as the crisis hit its 100th day with little peace progress. Recent Israeli strikes in Iran and Lebanon, despite a truce, have dimmed hopes for a deal and reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz. OPEC+'s approved output increase faces hurdles due to supply disruptions.

Tensions flared as Iran and Israel exchanged missile and air strikes, shattering an April ceasefire and sparking fears of wider conflict. US President Trump urged an immediate halt to hostilities. The escalating attacks, involving Iranian missile barrages and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, have disrupted regional stability and rattled global energy markets, with Iraq and Syria closing airspace.

Despite fears of $200 oil following Strait of Hormuz disruptions, prices remain below $100. This resilience is attributed to increased US exports, weaker Chinese demand, and alternative supply routes. While some shipping through the strait continues, overall transits are down. Emergency measures and subdued demand have averted the worst-case scenario, but market stability hinges on temporary solutions.

Middle East tensions surged as Iran launched missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting US retaliatory strikes. Despite ongoing peace talks, no breakthrough has occurred, and the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted for 96 days. Meanwhile, US crude inventories saw a significant drop for the seventh consecutive week, adding to market volatility.

Geopolitical developments in the last few months have dictated India’s energy supplies. Be it crude oil, LPG or LNG, India is largely dependent on the world to meet its needs, and the US-Iran war has disrupted supplies via the Strait of Hormuz.

The rupee weakened by 40 paise to 95.76 against the US dollar due to proposed US tariffs, rising crude oil prices, and foreign fund outflows. Escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia also contributed to the decline, impacting investor sentiment. Market participants now await the Reserve Bank of India's policy decision for further cues.

Persian Gulf tensions pushed crude prices near $100, weakening the rupee and causing the Sensex to plunge over 1,100 points mid-session. Despite initial losses, banking stocks rallied, aiding a partial recovery, while IT stocks crashed due to AI disruption fears. Foreign funds saw significant outflows.

Oil prices dipped Friday as traders reacted to reports of a potential 60-day extension to a US-Iran ceasefire, which could ease restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. While US Vice President Vance indicated a deal is close, sticking points remain, and renewed tensions on the ground underscore the ceasefire's fragility.

Indian markets opened mixed on Thursday. US stocks saw a mixed start as AI shares pulled back, but falling oil prices boosted investor mood. The S&P 500 edged up, while the Nasdaq dipped. The Dow Jones Industrial Average showed strong gains. Easing oil prices, driven by hopes of a Strait of Hormuz reopening, provided support.

Indian markets saw a positive trend as US stocks rallied, driven by a strong comeback in AI-linked technology shares. Lower oil prices provided further relief, boosting airline stocks and easing bond market pressure. Investors are now keenly awaiting crucial US inflation data, with expectations of a potential Federal Reserve rate hike later this year.

Indian markets reacted to global cues as US stocks tumbled, led by tech giants like Nvidia, following a robust jobs report dampening interest rate cut hopes. Rising oil prices, fueled by Middle East tensions, also contributed to investor caution. Asian markets mirrored the downturn, with South Korea's Kospi seeing a significant drop.

Iran has indicated the Strait of Hormuz will reopen under new conditions set by Iranian and Omani authorities, potentially including transit fees for services. This comes as oil flows remain constrained following the US-Israeli conflict.

Dalal Street witnessed a significant downturn as crude oil prices surged due to West Asia tensions, leading to a 508-point drop in the Sensex. Foreign funds continued their selling spree, with outflows exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh crore this year. Investors are now awaiting the RBI's policy meeting and focusing on stock-specific opportunities amid a range-bound market.

Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi warns the US economy is growing below potential, risking rising unemployment and falling participation. He highlights that rising fuel prices, exacerbated by the Iran war, are offsetting tax cut benefits and stalling real wage growth.