Markets plunge over 1% as West Asia crisis rattles investors

Equity benchmarks fell sharply in early trade on Monday as escalating geopolitical tensions in the West Asia triggered a broad-based sell-off, with investors fleeing risk assets amid fears of oil supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.The BSE Sensex, which closed at 74,532.96 on Friday, opened at 73,732.58 and fell to 73,231.48 — down 1,301.48 points or 1.75 per cent — by 9.32 am. The NSE Nifty50, which ended the previous session at 23,114.50, opened at 22,824.35 and slid further to 22,700.65, a lo ...