Share markets in India are presently trading on a flat note. Sectoral indices are trading mixed with stocks in the realty sector and IT sector witnessing maximum selling pressure.

The BSE Sensex is trading down by 25 points (down 0.1%), while the NSE Nifty is trading down by 3 points (down 0.1%). The BSE Mid Cap index is trading up 0.6%, while the BSE Small Cap index is trading up by 0.5%.

The rupee is trading at Rs 72.69 against the US$.

In the news from the auto sector, Hero MotoCorp share price is in focus today as the company unveiled XPulse 200T in the premium motorcycle segment at the EICMA motorcycle show at Milan.

The XPulse 200T offers a host of safety and convenience features such as single channel ABS, LED head and tail lamps, digital speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.

Talking about auto stocks, 2018 hasn't been good for stalwart auto and auto ancillary companies. No wonder the BSE Auto index is down 23% this year.

Look at the chart below to see how India's big auto companies have fared this year.

Are Auto Companies Running Out of Gas?

Moving on to the news from the commodity space, crude oil is witnessing selling pressure today as rising supply and concerns of an economic slowdown pressured prices, with US crude now down by around 20 % since early October.

Downward price pressure came from rising supply, despite the US sanctions against Iran that were imposed this week, as well as concerns over an economic slowdown.

Speaking of crude oil, almost every time a rise or fall in the stock markets is invariably linked to crude oil prices.

Logically, it seems right too. The rise in crude oil increases input costs for dependent firms. It also means rising inflation. Rising inflation means rising interest rates.

It also puts pressure on the government to cut excise duty, thereby impacting its revenues. We have already seen that happening. After all, there is an election year coming up.