Sensex Finishes Slightly Higher

India’s BSE Sensex closed about 0.3% up at 75,415 on Friday, following a weak session in the prior day, mirroring cautious optimism across global market on a potential resolution to the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, concerns persisted over elevated oil prices and sustained foreign outflows. Foreign investors continued to divest from Indian financials in the first half of May, with cumulative outflows already surpassing the total recorded in the previous calendar year. Banking and financials were the standout sector performers, led by Axis Bank (2.5%), ICICI Bank (1.8%) and HDFC Bank (1%). Consumer discretionary and FMCG stocks also provided support, with Asian Paints rising 1.6% and Hindustan Unilever adding 1.1%. On the flip side, Sun Pharma emerged as the top loser, slipping 2.4%, as quarterly results disappointed on the operational front. For the week, the index rose about 0.2%.

The SENSEX Index went up by 232 points or 0.31 percent on Friday to close at 75415 points. The rise was led by Axis Bank (2.68%), ICICI Bank (1.96%) and Asian Paints (1.46%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Sun Pharmaceuticals (-2.71%), ITC (-1.96%) and Power Grid (-1.80%).

India’s BSE Sensex opened about 0.5% higher at 75,567 on Friday, recovering from the previous session’s losses as investors awaited updates on US-Iran peace talks. Geopolitics remained the key macro driver, with markets watching whether Washington and Tehran can advance negotiations on uranium enrichment and shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the discussions as showing tentative signs of progress. Meanwhile, foreign investors withdrew $22.2 billion from equities in under three months, exceeding last year’s record annual outflows, signaling heightened caution over the market and global economic outlook. Notable gainers included Laxmi Dental (+20%), Le Travenues (+4.7%), and RCF (+5.9%). Among the laggards, LG Electronics fell 3.2% after lower quarterly profit despite an 8% revenue rise, hit by higher costs and a weaker rupee, while Gail slipped 1% after weaker Q4 earnings as Middle East tensions disrupted gas supplies.