Stock market news, July 23 -- Indian benchmark indices extended their losing streak on Thursday, as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices above $96 a barrel, dampening investor sentiment and triggering broad-based selling.

Fresh US strikes on Iran, coupled with attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea, intensified concerns over global energy supplies, weighing on risk appetite across markets.

Higher crude oil prices remain a key concern for India, the world's third-largest importer and consumer of crude oil, as they could fuel inflation, widen the trade deficit, pressure corporate margins, and slow economic growth.

Investor sentiment was also hit by weak quarterly earnings, wi...