Mumbai, Aug 10: Indian stock markets remained resilient on Monday, ending with marginal gains as investors balanced strong corporate earnings and softer US jobs data against continuing uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
The BSE Sensex rose 43.27 points, or 0.06 per cent, to close at 78,542.44, while the Nifty 50 gained 13.15 points, or 0.05 per cent, to settle at 24,583.80.
Trading remained subdued throughout the session, with both benchmark indices moving within a narrow range as investors assessed developments in global markets and the potential impact of geopolitical tensions on crude oil prices.
The Strait of Hormuz remained a key focus for investors. Any disruption to the strategic shipping route could push international crude prices higher, potentially increasing India's import bill and adding pressure on inflation and corporate margins.
Despite these concerns, domestic equities received support from encouraging corporate earnings. Better-than-expected results from several companies have helped strengthen confidence in India's underlying business environment.
A softer-than-expected US jobs report also provided some relief to global markets. The data reduced expectations of further near-term interest rate tightening by the US Federal Reserve, offering investors some comfort amid wider economic uncertainty.
For Indian companies, stable domestic demand and improving earnings continue to provide important support. These factors have helped the market absorb external pressures, even as investors remain watchful of developments in the Middle East.
Investors are now expected to closely monitor crude oil movements, developments around the Strait of Hormuz, global interest-rate expectations and upcoming economic data.
The market's steady finish reflects cautious optimism: global risks remain a concern, but India's corporate performance and domestic economic fundamentals continue to provide a degree of resilience.
For investors, the focus is likely to remain on how geopolitical developments affect energy prices and inflation while assessing whether strong corporate earnings can continue to support equity valuations.
