Sensex Closes on Negative Note

India’s BSE Sensex finished about 0.8% down at 76,913.5 on Thursday, reversing Wednesday's modest gains, pressured by higher oil prices and continued foreign outflows. Investor sentiment stayed cautious as the US Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged but struck a hawkish tone, while persistent geopolitical tensions added further pressure. Reports indicated that the US rejected Iran’s peace proposal and hardened its stance on the Strait of Hormuz blockade, raising concerns over renewed inflationary pressures and potential risks to India’s external balance. Domestically, attention turns to May 4 state election results. Eternal (-2.9%), Hindustan Unilever (-2.7%), Tata Steel (-2.1%), L&T (-2%), Trent (-2%) and UltraTech Cement (-1.9%) were the biggest laggards. On the flip side, top gainers included Sun Pharma (1.6%), Infosys (1.2%), Adani Ports (1%) and Tech Mahindra (1%). The Indian stock market will remain shut on Friday, 1 May 2026, on account of Maharashtra Day.

The SENSEX Index decreased 583 points or 0.75 percent on Thursday to close at 76914 points. The decline was led by Eternal Limited (-3.80%), Tata Motors (-2.92%) and Hindustan Unilever (-2.61%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Sun Pharmaceuticals (2.00%), Infosys (1.40%) and Bajaj Finance (1.04%).

India’s BSE Sensex fell about 1.1% to 76,677 on Thursday, reversing the previous session’s gains as sentiment weakened amid a sharp surge in crude oil prices. Brent crude climbed toward $120 per barrel, raising concerns on inflation and corporate margins after US President Donald Trump held talks with oil companies on measures to cushion the impact of a potential months-long blockade of Iran’s ports. Adding to the pressure, the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as expected amid rising Iran war-driven inflation risks, with markets now pricing out any cuts in 2026. On the domestic front, positioning is likely to remain cautious ahead of the long weekend and the May 4 state election results. Key laggards included Waaree Energies (-9.1%), Garden Reach (-4.3%), Eternal (-3.2%), and Adani Energy (-5%), while top performers were Cemindia (+15%) and Syngene (+8.5%). Despite the daily decline, the benchmark was flat for the week and has risen about 6.6% so far this month.