India, July 24 -- Indian benchmark stock indices are expected to begin Friday's trading session on a weak note as investors react to negative global market cues, surging crude oil prices, and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The sharp rise in oil prices, triggered by the escalating US-Iran conflict, has increased concerns about inflation and economic growth, especially for oil-importing nations like India. As of 8:10 am, Gift Nifty was trading at 23,659.5, down 203 points (0.85%), indicating a gap-down opening for the Nifty 50.

Gift Nifty Indicates Gap-Down Opening

The weak signal from Gift Nifty follows another negative session for Indian equities on Thursday. The Nifty 50 closed at 23,869.60, falling 126.65 points, or ...