Mumbai, Aug 31: Indian equity markets are likely to open lower on Monday as renewed US-Iran tensions, concerns over US interest rates and weak global cues keep investors cautious on the final trading day of August.
GIFT Nifty was trading around 24,218.50 in early trade, signalling a subdued opening for the domestic benchmark indices.
Global markets remained under pressure as investors assessed the escalation in the Middle East and growing expectations around US monetary policy. Rising crude oil prices have added another concern for India, with higher energy costs potentially affecting inflation, the import bill and corporate margins.
Among domestic sectors, metal, IT, media, PSU banks, realty, cement, chemicals and FMCG stocks could remain under pressure if the weak global trend continues. Private banking stocks may remain relatively resilient, while oil-sensitive and export-oriented companies could see stock-specific moves.
With August coming to an end, month-end positioning could further increase volatility. Investors are likely to closely track crude prices, global interest-rate expectations and geopolitical developments while positioning for September.
The market is expected to remain selective, with global risk factors likely to influence sectoral performance and overall trading sentiment during the session.