Stock markets slump in early trade on surging oil prices amid escalation in tensions in West Asia

MUMBAI: (May 18) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Monday amid surging oil prices, weak global market trends after fresh escalation in tensions in West Asia.

A drone attack targeted the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, marking a dangerous escalation in the West Asia conflict.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 833.20 points to 74,404.79 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 234 points to 23,401.70.