FX.co ★ Sensex Finishes Slightly Lower

India’s BSE Sensex edged down 0.2% to close at 77,369 on Monday, snapping a two-day winning streak, as investors turned cautious ahead of a widely anticipated US announcement detailing sweeping new sanctions on Iran. Markets are concerned that tougher measures could prolong regional conflict, disrupt energy supplies, and add further upward pressure on global inflation.

Sentiment was also tempered by upcoming global catalysts, including Nvidia’s earnings report and the Jackson Hole symposium, where Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s remarks will be scrutinized for signals on the future path of US interest rates.

Sector-wise, financials led the decline, while gains in metals and technology shares helped limit the overall downside. Adani Ports, BEL, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Trent, Axis Bank, and SBI were among the worst performers, losing between 0.7% and 1.3%. In contrast, Tata Steel climbed 1.9%, HCL Tech advanced 1.3%, and Infosys rose 0.9%, emerging as the session’s top gainers.