Nifty holds 24,000 as crude, bond yields keep bulls in check

Sensex and Nifty off to a choppy start amid Middle East uncertainty. What lies ahead?

Indian equity indices retreated as Middle East uncertainty, Brent crude at $94, and rising US yields triggered selling; Sensex -50pts below 77,500, Nifty 50 below 24,250. Large-cap weakness will pressure startup valuations and tech M&A, though broad-market strength and VIX <11 indicate institutional buying continues.