The BSE Sensex opened lower by 250 points on Friday, tracking negative global market cues and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The Nifty50 index slipped below the 24,600 mark, with major laggards including Bajaj Finance, which fell 4.5% in early trade.
Investors are closely monitoring crude oil price fluctuations and upcoming US payroll data, which are expected to influence future Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.