Sensex Finishes on Negative Note

India’s BSE Sensex closed about 1.2% lower at 76,632 on Thursday, after witnessing a sharp rally in the prior day, mirroring major global peers. Investor sentiment turned cautious as doubts emerged over the durability of the US–Iran ceasefire and crude oil prices rebounded, driven by Israel intensifying strikes on Lebanon and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Financials were among the hardest hit, weighed down by sustained FII selling, a hawkish tone in the latest FOMC minutes, and ongoing geopolitical risks. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Bank and SBI saw losses around 2% each. Bucking the trend, defense stocks such as BEL (1.6%) and metals advanced the most. IT stocks posted marginal gains, with TCS rising 1.2% ahead of its earnings report, supporting the broader sector.

The SENSEX Index fell -931 points or 1.20 percent on Thursday to close at 76632 points. Leading the losses are Larsen & Toubro (-2.87%), Indusind Bank (-2.69%) and Kotak Mahindra Bank (-2.20%).

India’s BSE Sensex fell about 0.6% down at 77,072 on Thursday, retreating from a recent rally and snapping a five-session winning streak as lingering geopolitical tensions weighed on sentiment amid renewed uncertainty over a US-Iran ceasefire, dampening optimism for a continuation of the rally. Broader Asian markets also turned cautious after reports of Iran maintaining strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz, which pushed oil prices higher again, alongside continued attacks in the Gulf region despite the temporary truce. Financials and technology led the losses, while health services, retail trade, and non-energy minerals stocks partially offset the downside. HDFC Bank (-1.2%), ICICI Bank (-1%), and Infosys (-2%) fell, while BSE (+1.2%), KEC International (+3.8%), and Bharat Electronics (+1.6%) rose. Meanwhile, the broader index is up 5.1% so far this week.