Indian stock market: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 ended their two-session winning streak on Friday, May 15, amid profit booking triggered by weak global market sentiment, a sharp rise in crude oil prices, and the rupee slipping to a fresh record low against the US dollar.
The Sensex declined 161 points, or 0.21%, to close at 75,237.99, while the Nifty 50 dropped 46 points, or 0.19%, to settle at 23,643.50.
Stock Market Outlook next week
According to Ponmudi R, CEO – Enrich Money, Markets in the coming week are expected to remain highly volatile and intensely headline-driven, with investor sentiment continuing to hinge on developments surrounding the ongoing US–Iran conflict, diplomatic negotiations and movements in global energy markets.
“The broader mood remains cautious, as investors weigh the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough against the growing risk of a prolonged geopolitical and energy-driven disruption,” Ponmudi said.
He noted that markets are likely to remain extremely sensitive to any developments linked to the Strait of Hormuz, given its critical importance to global energy supply chains.
“Any credible diplomatic progress or easing in tensions could trigger short-covering rallies across equities, support emerging market sentiment and help moderate crude oil prices. Conversely, any renewed escalation, disruption to shipping routes or deterioration in negotiations could rapidly revive risk-off positioning, intensify volatility and place renewed pressure on equities, currencies and commodities globally,” he added.
Top 5 triggers for the Indian stock market
1] US-Iran war
As the war and the ensuing negotiations near the three-month mark since the conflict began, the deadlock remains unresolved. In the latest development, Iran announced that it will soon unveil a proposal for managing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to the move, Donald Trump warned that Iran would face serious consequences if it refuses to move forward with a peace agreement.
Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the ceasefire — in effect since April — by another 45 days and resume discussions on a political resolution. However, tensions across West Asia have escalated further as clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue.
2] Crude oil prices
Oil prices surged more than 3% on Friday after remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister weakened expectations of a potential agreement to halt ship attacks and seizures near the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures settled at $109.26 per barrel, rising $3.54, or 3.35%, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures ended at $105.42 per barrel, up $4.25, or 4.2%.
For the week, Brent crude advanced 7.84%, while WTI gained 10.48%, amid uncertainty surrounding the fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict.
“Participants will closely monitor developments in the ongoing US–Iran conflict and their implications for crude oil prices, inflation, and global risk sentiment. Movements in energy markets and the rupee will continue to influence near-term market direction,” said Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking.
3] Q4 results FY26
As the earnings season enters the fifth week, more than 400 companies will release their financial results for the quarter ended on March 21, 2026 in the coming week.
Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, not Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
