US stocks fell, GIFT Nifty down nearly 300 points and oil nears $100. How will stock market react on Monday?

Indian stock markets are poised for a significant downturn as they prepare to open on Monday, following a tumultuous end to the previous week for global equities. The GIFT Nifty indicates a drop of nearly 300 points, suggesting a weak start for Indian benchmark indices like Sensex and Nifty. This anticipated decline is largely attributed to a sharp selloff on Wall Street, where all three major US indexes experienced declines amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns regarding the US economic outlook. The Dow Jones fell nearly 1% and recorded its steepest weekly decline since April 2025. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also faced losses, with drops of 1.3% and 1.6%, respectively, following a disappointing US payrolls report that has raised worries about a cooling labor market. Compounding these concerns, crude oil prices surged due to military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, further escalating regional tensions and raising fears of prolonged disruptions in energy supplies. As oil prices approach the $100 per barrel mark, the implications for India’s economy are serious, given its reliance on imported crude oil, which could lead to heightened inflation and increased pressure on corporate margins. The Indian market had already witnessed a significant drop last week, with benchmark indices falling nearly 3%, marking one of the largest weekly declines in over a year.