Nifty Hints at Gap-Down Start; US-Iran Tensions, Oil and Precious Metals Markets in Focus, Top 8 Stocks to Watch

Indian Stock Market Remains Volatile Amid Optimism Surrounding US-Iran Peace Agreement

The key benchmark indices of the Indian stock market remained volatile and ended flat on Thursday, driven by a sharp cooling in crude oil prices. The Nifty 50 index ended marginally lower at 24,326, while the BSE Sensex shed 114 points and closed at 77,844. The Bank Nifty index added 66 points and closed at 56,047.

Sectorally, the trend remained mixed, with auto, energy, and realty stocks leading the gains, while FMCG and IT traded under pressure. Broader markets continued to outperform, with the midcap index hitting a fresh record high and gaining over 1%, while the smallcap index also advanced nearly 1%, reflecting sustained risk appetite and improving market breadth.

Crude Oil Prices in Focus

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Crude oil prices, after cooling sharply toward the $90 level earlier, have once again moved higher and are currently trading in the $95–99 per barrel range, reflecting persistent concerns around supply disruptions and geopolitical instability. Elevated oil prices continue to remain a key macro concern for emerging markets, including India.

Market Outlook

Expecting a cautious start for the Indian stock market today, Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said that Indian equity markets are expected to remain cautious and highly sensitive to news flow, as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to weigh heavily on investor sentiment despite periodic relief rallies.

Read also: US-Iran Tensions Spark Uptick in Oil Prices Amid Global Market Decline

The latest exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz has further heightened uncertainty, even as Donald Trump called on Tehran to accept the U.S. proposal and reiterated that Washington does not seek escalation. The contrast between military confrontation and diplomatic messaging has kept investors on edge, curbing risk appetite and reinforcing a defensive undertone across global financial markets.

Gold and Silver Rates

Following a rebound in WTI crude oil prices, gold and silver are trading cautiously in the early morning session. The COMEX gold rate today is around 0.50% higher at $4,735 per ounce, whereas the COMEX silver rate today is around 0.50% higher at $80.55/oz.

Stock Recommendations

Market experts — Sumeet Bagadia of Choice Broking, Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager — Technical Research at Anand Rathi, and Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager — Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, recommended these eight buy-or-sell stocks for intraday trading:

1. BSE: Buy at ₹3964, Target ₹4242, Stop Loss ₹3825
2. CG Power: Buy at ₹859, Target ₹920, Stop Loss ₹829
3. Emcure Pharma: Buy at ₹1665, Target ₹1730, Stop Loss ₹1615
4. KFin Tech: Buy at ₹926, Target ₹975, Stop Loss ₹900
5. IRFC: Buy at ₹106, Target ₹112, Stop Loss ₹102
6. GE Vernova: Buy at ₹4768, Target ₹5000, Stop Loss ₹4660
7. DFCX Systems: Buy at ₹220.90, Target ₹237, Stop Loss ₹215
8. NELCO: Buy at ₹732, Target ₹775, Stop Loss ₹715