New Delhi, July 9 -- Indian equity markets are expected to remain highly sensitive to global crude oil prices in the near term as sustained rise in Brent crude above the USD 80 per barrel mark could weigh on market sentiment, inflation and macroeconomic stability, however, banking and auto sector are expected to post healthy growth, said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Chouhan noted, "If crude prices sustain above the USD 80 mark, we can expect further pressure on India's current account deficit as well as the balance of payments. It could also become a reason for higher inflation in the country," he said.

He, however, expressed confidence that crude is unlikely to remain abo...