First Trade: Indices open weak as Middle East tensions escalate; Nifty below 24,800

Indian equities in Wednesday's trade opened lower tracking weakening global cues -signalling aggravation of the Iran-Israel tensions. At the open, Nifty50 index opened lower by 60 points or 0.24 per cent at 24,793.1, while the BSE Sensex was dragged lower by 219.97 points or 0.27 per cent to 81,363.33.

Meanwhile,

Asian markets

Asian stock markets traded mixed in early trade on Wednesday, as Hong Kong led losses amid rising geopolitical tensions amid possible US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. As at the last count, the key MSCI Asia ex Japan index traded lower by 0.44 per cent.

Meanwhile, investors are sitting on the edge,awaiting the crucial Federal Reserve interest rate decison due later today. Also, the markets took note of the latest trade print in Japan which was impacted due to US tariffs. Japan's Nikkei gained to a four-month high on a weaker yen.