Stock market today, March 9 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices, the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open sharply lower on Monday, tracking a global market sell-off as crude oil prices surged. The spike in oil followed the widening US-Israeli conflict with Iran, raising concerns about tighter supply and potential disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Asian markets tumbled, while the US stock market closed lower last week as the escalating conflict in the Middle East dampened investor sentiment.

"Indian equity markets are expected to open on a cautious note as persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to keep crude oil prices elevated and global risk sentiment fragile. Investor confiden...