Why does the Strait of Hormuz matter for India’s markets?

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for India’s crude imports. Even brief slowdowns can raise shipping insurance, freight, and delivery times, affecting landed cost. That in turn influences OMC margins, inflation through fuel components, and the rupee. Markets reprice these risks quickly, so portfolios with energy sensitivity can see outsized swings.

How can Iran military drills affect oil prices today?

Drills near the Strait of Hormuz raise perceived supply risk. Early headlines can lift crude and freight rates, then retrace if flows normalize. Prices also react to diplomacy and inventory data. The mix of real disruption, insurance costs, and trader positioning decides whether spikes endure or fade within the trading session.

What are key technical levels for ^GSPC after the Hormuz news?

Based on current indicators, resistance sits near 6,909, with support around 6,793 and deeper support at the 200-day near 6,505. RSI is 44.68 and ADX is 17.81, implying a weak trend. We prefer staggered entries and tighter risk controls while energy headlines keep volatility above normal.

What should Indian investors track this week?

Watch verified shipping updates from the Strait of Hormuz, Brent-Dubai spreads, tanker insurance rates, and the rupee’s correlation to crude. For equities, monitor OMC and upstream margin commentary, RBI signals on inflation, and ^GSPC breadth around 6,793-6,909. Use predefined buy zones and avoid leverage into headline-driven gaps.

Law and Government

^GSPC Today: February 19 — Strait of Hormuz Drill Jolts Energy

ByDanny Kontos February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

The Strait of Hormuz is back in focus after Iran military drills caused partial closure and brief delays in Persian Gulf shipping. Energy headlines steered risk appetite, while ^GSPC traded at 6,879.66, up 0.53% as of the latest print. Oil prices today erased early gains, but volatility stayed elevated. We outline what changed, why it matters for India’s import bill and rupee, and how U.S. market breadth ties into sector rotation that could influence local portfolios.