New Delhi, July 22 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open on a cautious note on Wednesday, 22 July, as elevated crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to weigh on investor sentiment despite positive global cues.

Asian markets traded sharply higher, while Wall Street ended overnight with strong gains, led by a rebound in semiconductor stocks. However, concerns over the ongoing US-Iran conflict and rising energy prices are expected to keep domestic markets under pressure.

On Tuesday, Indian equities ended lower for a second straight session. The Sensex fell 238.41 points, or 0.31%, to close at 77,470.11, while the Nifty 50 declined 50.80 points, or 0...