Stock markets dive as Middle East conflict, crude oil prices continue to dent sentiment

MUMBAI: (Mar 23) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty dropped sharply in early trade on Monday as the Middle East conflict entered its fourth week driving crude oil prices higher.

A massive bearish trend in global equity markets and relentless foreign fund outflows also made investors jittery.

The 30-share BSE Sensex dived 1,555.62 points, or 2 per cent, to 72,977.34 during initial trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty tanked 479.95 points, or 2 per cent, to 22,634.55.