Sensex Starts Week at 9-Week Low

India’s BSE Sensex dropped about 0.9% to 73,585 at Monday’s open, hitting its lowest level since April 2, as investors reacted to a sharp rise in crude oil prices and a broader risk-off mood across Asian markets. Stronger-than-expected US economic data also fueled worries that the Federal Reserve could keep interest rates higher for longer, adding pressure on emerging-market assets. Meanwhile, support emerged from the Reserve Bank of India’s latest measures aimed at attracting foreign capital inflows. The central bank announced steps to encourage non-resident deposits and external commercial borrowings, helping lift the rupee and government bonds. The downturn was led by losses in technology and financial stocks. Among individual stocks, notable decliners were HSCL, Wipro, MTAR, IFCI, GE Vernova, and E2E Networks, losing between 4.4% and 5.1%. On the upside, EMS (+14%), Thomas Cook (+10.2%), and NRB Bearings (+7.8%) were among the top gainers.

India’s BSE Sensex gave up some early gains to close about 0.2% down at 74,243 on Friday, as investors weighed the RBI's cautious outlook, foreign investor outflows and geopolitical uncertainties. The RBI unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and maintained a “neutral” stance, while raising its inflation forecast and cutting its GDP growth projection for the current financial year. Meanwhile, the central bank also announced measures aimed at improving foreign investor participation and easing tax-related frictions in the bond market. Sector-wise, weakness in technology and metal stocks was offset by gains in financial stocks and selected heavyweights. Technology stocks remained under pressure throughout the session, led by TCS (-1.9%) and Tech Mahindra (-1.2%). Other top losers included Trent (-2.2%), Tata Steel (-1.8%) and NTPC (-1.3%). Conversely, Bajaj Finance (1.8%), Axis Bank (1.7%) and ICICI Bank (0.8%) were among the top gainers. For the week, the index shed 0.7%.

The SENSEX Index decreased 74 points or 0.10 percent on Friday to close at 74286 points. The decline was led by Tata Consultancy (-2.01%), Tata Steel (-1.79%) and NTPC (-1.54%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Hindustan Unilever (2.01%), Adani Ports (1.96%) and Bajaj Finance (1.67%).