Stock market today, March 19 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices, the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open sharply lower on Thursday, tracking global market weakness amid concerns over rising crude oil prices.

Trends in GIFT Nifty also signal a gap-down opening for the benchmark indices, with it trading around the 23,240 level - a discount of nearly 536 points compared to the previous close of Nifty futures.

"Indian equities are poised for a weak start, with early signals from Gift Nifty indicating a sharp gap-down opening as global sentiment deteriorates. The shift in risk appetite follows weakness across US and Asian markets, triggered by a combination of hawkish policy signals and escalating geopolitical tensions," ...