Indian equity markets open flat as crude oil prices surge

A stock market is a place where people buy and sell tiny pieces of companies.

On Tuesday, India's stock markets started the day almost completely flat, meaning very little changed.

One reason was that the price of crude oil went up.

When oil gets more expensive, it can cost companies more to run their businesses.

Some groups of companies, like those selling software and household goods, saw small gains.

Banking companies, on the other hand, saw their shares fall a little.

Experts said strong company earnings and a steady rupee are helping keep the market calm.

In Asia, Japan's and South Korea's markets rose, while Hong Kong's fell slightly.

Overall, it was a quiet start with mixed feelings among investors.