Sensex, Nifty open on a cautious note:Oil prices rise on US-Iran standoff in Strait of Hormuz

Indian benchmark indices opened on a cautious note on Monday, 20 April, 2026. The 30-share Sensex slid to 78,356.40 points. Similarly, the 50-share Nifty lost over 100 points. Stocks like HDFC Bank, Eternal, BEL, Kotak Bank, Power Grid, IndiGo, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance and TCS were among the major losers on the Sensex. Mixed sector-wise performance: Sectorally, on the NSE, barring media and psu bank, all other indices traded with losses. US-Iran ceasefire violation The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the imminent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing a failure by the United States to adhere to ceasefire conditions. Asian markets advance Monday US markets closed higher on Friday Oil surges Global crude benchmark, Brent crude prices shot up 5.43% to $95 per barrel after fresh turmoil in the US-Iran ceasefire. Rupee becomes stronger Rupee rises 19 paise to 92.72 against US dollar on Monday On Friday, Sensex had closed at 505 points (0.65%) higher at 78,493.54, while Nifty settled at 156.80 (0.65%) points higher at 24,353.55.