Sensex today | Stock Market Live: Sensex, Nifty may open flat as crude prices and FPI flows remain in focus

Indian stock markets opened flat with positive bias on Monday. At 9.17 a.m., the Sensex was up 423.17 points, or 0.57 per cent, at 74,718.13, after opening at 74,535.18, against the previous close of 74,294.96. The Nifty 50 was up 39.20 points, or 0.17 per cent, at 23,385.60.

Asian stocks were up in early trade, while crude prices remained elevated, with WTI around $95 a barrel and Brent above $100.

Geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing Iran-US conflict, remain a key source of uncertainty for equities, currencies and energy markets. US tariff measures targeting major buyers of Russian oil are also posing risks to global trade, crude flows and emerging-market sentiment.

Analysts said the market could remain in consolidation around opening levels. A move above 23,300 could support a recovery towards 23,500–23,600, while a sustained break below could revive selling pressure.

Foreign portfolio investors have again turned sellers, with NSDL data showing ₹23,676 crore of exchange outflows up to September 19. Elevated crude prices and US bond yields remain negatives, while resilient domestic growth and better earnings expectations provide support.

Crude: WTI is around $95/barrel, while Brent remains above $100, keeping energy costs elevated.
Geopolitical risk: The Iran-US conflict remains a major source of uncertainty for equities, currencies and energy markets.
US tariffs: Measures targeting major buyers of Russian oil could affect crude flows, energy prices and emerging-market sentiment.
FPI flows: FPIs have again turned sellers, with ₹23,676 crore of exchange outflows recorded up to September 19.
Primary market: FPI investment through the primary market stood at ₹2,703 crore up to September 19.
Key market drivers: Traders should track crude prices, US bond yields and banking stocks.
Negative factors: Elevated crude prices and high US bond yields could weigh on Indian equities and FPI flows.