BIST 100 Opens Week Lower Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The BIST 100 index in Borsa İstanbul closed Friday with a 1.53% gain at 14,321.19 points, yet the week began with a decline as the index opened 55.68 points and 0.39% lower at 14,265.51. Sectoral indices showed mixed performance, with banking and holding indices dropping 1.18% and 0.59% respectively. Among sectors, transportation lagged the most with a 1.38% decline, while chemical-petroleum-plastic led gains with a 1.10% rise. Global markets kicked off the week on a bearish note due to escalating geopolitical tensions from U.S.-Iran conflicts and ongoing risks through the Hormuz Strait.

Central Bank Data and Current Account Expectations

Domestic markets turned their focus to the upcoming May Payment Balance data from Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası (TCMB). Economists surveyed by AA Finans Payment Balance Expectation Poll forecast a current account deficit of $1.1275 billion for May, with an annual projection of $52.255 billion. Analysts noted that today's domestic payment balance and retail sales, alongside U.S. federal budget balance data, will be closely watched. Technically, BIST 100 is positioned with support levels at 14,100 and 14,000, while resistance stands at 14,400 and 14,500.

■BIST 100 closed at 14,321.19 points, up 1.53% on Friday.

■Banking and holding indices declined by 1.18% and 0.59% respectively.

■Transportation sector recorded the steepest drop at 1.38%, while chemical-petroleum-plastic rose 1.10%.

■Economists expect May current deficit at $1.1275 billion, annual deficit at $52.255 billion.

Markets will hinge on tonight’s payment balance data for directional cues. Ongoing geopolitical risks may prolong volatility in banking and holding stocks. If technical supports hold, a pullback toward 14,400-14,500 appears likely in the near term.