Stock Market Outlook: Indian benchmark indices are expected to open lower on Monday, July 13, following global cues and cautious investor sentiment after renewed escalation in the US-Iran conflict. Concerns have emerged over possible disruptions to oil and gas supplies via the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher crude prices. Asian markets traded mixed, while US stock futures declined as investors weighed the impact of rising energy costs and the chance that central banks may hold rates higher for longer. Despite weak global signals, domestic indices closed Friday’s session higher on broad buying across sectors. The BSE Sensex rose 1.08 percent to finish at 77,569.39, and the NSE Nifty 50 gained 1.02 percent to end at 24,206.90. Key factors likely to influence Indian markets today include the US-Iran conflict, with tensions increasing after expanded US military strikes reported by Iranian state media. Conflicting claims have surfaced regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury yields rose amid worries that higher energy prices could sustain inflation and lead the Federal Reserve to maintain tighter policy. The two-year Treasury yield increased three basis points to 4.24 percent, while the 10-year yield added two basis points to 4.58 percent. Crude oil prices climbed after the latest strikes, with WTI rising 4.04 percent to 79.08 dollars per barrel and Brent up 4.01 percent to 79.06 dollars per barrel.
