Sensex Extends Gains to Second Session

India’s BSE Sensex edged up around 0.2% to open at 78,073 on Thursday, extending gains from the previous session as positive global cues tied to hopes of a possible US-Iran peace deal lifted sentiment. Market participants remained cautious as Washington awaited Tehran’s response, with Trump saying it was too early for direct talks while an Iranian lawmaker called the US proposal more wishlist than reality. Among notable movers, One 97 Communications jumped 5.8% after signaling faster growth in FY2027 compared with FY2026. HFCL (+2%), Meesho (+3%), Hindustan (+4.3%), and Polycab (+5.1%) also posted gains. On the flip side, Godrej Consumer Products slipped 4.8% despite reporting nearly 10% growth in fourth-quarter profit, supported by robust volumes and steady domestic demand. Other laggards included Wockhardt (-3.5%), PB Fintech (-2%), Himadri (-2.5%), and Billionbrains (-2.1%).

India’s BSE Sensex rose 1.2% to close at 77,958.5 on Wednesday, an over two-week high, recovering from prior losses. Global market sentiment improved following a drop in crude oil prices after US President Trump claimed progress in negotiations with Iran toward an agreement to end the war. Washington is reportedly nearing a one-page memorandum of understanding with Tehran to end the over two-month conflict. The latest domestic data was also supportive. India’s services sector grew more strongly than initially estimated in April, hitting a five-month high. Moreover, the Indian government’s new credit-guarantee scheme, worth $1.9 billion, gave banks and airlines a lift, with the plan targeting companies heavily impacted by the Middle East crisis. Airline InterGlobe Aviation climbed 6.6%, with banks also advancing significantly. HDFC Bank added 3.1% after Reuters reported that law firms reviewing its governance are set to find no major lapses, paving the way for the CEO’s reappointment.

The SENSEX Index went up by 941 points or 1.22 percent on Wednesday to close at 77959 points. The rise was led by Tata Motors (5.28%), Indusind Bank (4.10%) and Asian Paints (3.91%).