Crude Oil Emerges as Key Factor for Market Movements

Across world markets, investors are watching weekend developments in the widening conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, disruptions to global shipping and energy markets, and recent comments from US President Donald Trump.

Market attention will also be on key economic releases this week, including US inflation and jobless claims data, as well as upcoming GDP figures from the UK and Japan.

Globally, crude oil prices will be a major factor influencing market movements, as escalating tensions in West Asia push prices higher. They are also expected to see significant swings this week amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 per cent of the global oil supply passes.

In domestic markets, sentiment will largely be shaped by ongoing global developments, India’s retail inflation data, forex reserves data and mutual fund inflow-outflow figures, due this week. Last week, benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty fell around 2.9 per cent.