Stock market today, March 5 -- The Indian equity benchmark indices, the BSE Sensex and the Nifty 50, are expected to open on a firm note Thursday, tracking gains across global markets.

Signals from Gift Nifty also point to a positive start for domestic equities. Gift Nifty was trading near the 24,725 mark, reflecting a premium of about 140 points over the previous close of Nifty futures.

"The Indian equity market continues to trade under the shadow of rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which are keeping crude oil prices elevated. Higher energy prices are increasing pressure on India's import bill and inflation outlook, thereby sustaining a cautious undertone in investor sentiment. Heavy FPI outflows are exerting additional...