Stock market live updates today: What will guide NSE Nifty50, BSE Sensex today?

Asian markets traded mostly higher, reflecting improved investor sentiment across the region. South Korea's KOSPI emerged as the top performer, surging 2.88%, while Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.67%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (HSI) rose 0.7%, supported by buying in heavyweight stocks.

In China, Shanghai Composite edged up 0.02%, while the Shenzhen Composite advanced 0.46%. Australia's ASX 200 climbed 0.65%, and Taiwan's benchmark index added 0.14%. Meanwhile, Singapore's STI slipped 0.35% and Malaysia's benchmark eased 0.06%.

Overall, gains across major Asian markets outweighed the losses, with investors closely tracking geopolitical developments, commodity prices and broader global market cues.

Stock market extended its losing streak in the previous session, with Sensex and Nifty closing lower for the third consecutive session. The slump came as surging crude oil prices and heavy selling in banking stocks dampened investor sentiment.

BSE Sensex dropped 715.06 points, or 0.92%, to settle at 76,755.05 after falling as much as 828.92 points during the session. NSE Nifty declined 191.45 points, or 0.79%, to end below the 24,000 mark at 23,996.25.

The sell-off was broad-based, with mid-cap and small-cap indices also ending over 1% lower. Banking heavyweights including ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and State Bank of India were among the biggest drags, while sectors such as realty, PSU banks and IT witnessed sharp declines.

FMCG emerged as the only sectoral gainer, reflecting a shift towards defensive stocks. Market sentiment remained under pressure as rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns over global trade kept investors firmly in risk-off mode, even as the earnings season gathered pace.

Crude oil prices extended their rally, climbing more than 1.5% to their highest level in over six weeks as escalating geopolitical tensions stoked fresh concerns over global supply disruptions. Brent crude futures rose $1.93, or 2%, to touch $96 per barrel after already surging more than $3 in the previous session to settle at $94.07.

The latest gains came after the United States launched a fresh round of strikes on Iran, while Yemen's Houthi rebels reportedly targeted oil tankers in the Red Sea, intensifying worries over the security of key energy shipping routes.

Rising crude prices are likely to remain a major concern for equity markets, particularly for oil-importing countries such as India, as higher energy costs could fuel inflation, pressure the rupee and weigh on corporate earnings. Investors will continue to track geopolitical developments closely, with any further escalation likely to keep oil prices volatile and influence sentiment across global financial markets.

Rupee's sharp depreciation against the US dollar is expected to remain in focus as currency weakness reflects growing investor caution. The currency slipped to 96.53 against the greenback in the previous session, pressured by rising crude oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty and weakness in equity market.

A weaker rupee could increase import costs for businesses, particularly those dependent on overseas raw materials, while offering some support to export-oriented companies. Currency traders are also tracking the dollar index, global risk sentiment and possible RBI intervention. Any further depreciation could influence market sentiment, especially if crude prices continue their upward march.

Global developments are likely to remain the primary driver for Dalal Street as investors weigh geopolitical tensions, crude oil prices and currency movements alongside corporate earnings. Asian markets delivered a mixed performance in the previous session, while US equities ended higher, reflecting divergent investor sentiment across regions.

Market participants will also monitor developments related to the Middle East, shipping disruptions and trade-related headlines that could influence commodity prices. With domestic macroeconomic data r...