The SENSEX Index Closes 0.41% Higher

India’s BSE Sensex closed about 0.4% up at 73895.7 on Friday, partially recovering from previous session's losses, helped by moderating oil prices on fresh hopes for a solution to the Middle East conflict. Still, sentiment remained fragile amid elevated geopolitical uncertainty and continued foreign outflows. US and Iranian negotiators were reportedly exploring a phased deal that would see Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Washington lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Selective buying emerged in key stocks, with Axis Bank (2.8%), M&M (2.2%), Asian Paints (1.9%), Bajaj Finance (1.2%) and HCL Tech (1.2%) among the top gainers. On the flip side, Trent (-1.4%), Infosys (-0.8%) and Kotak Bank (-0.5%) were the biggest laggards. For the week, the benchmark index lost about 0.5%.

The SENSEX Index went up by 301 points or 0.41 percent on Friday to close at 73881 points. The rise was led by Axis Bank (2.93%), Asian Paints (2.27%) and Mahindra & Mahindra (1.59%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Tata Motors (-1.68%), Infosys (-1.55%) and Eternal Limited (-1.16%).

India’s BSE Sensex edged up around 0.2% to 73,747 on Friday, recovering from the previous session’s losses, although investors remained cautious amid elevated crude oil prices and global bond yields. Oil prices remained around $106 a barrel, raising concerns over India’s import bill and inflation outlook. Investors are also monitoring developments in the Middle East, with US and Iranian negotiators exploring a possible phased route out of the conflict. Technology stocks remained under pressure as investors assessed the impact of higher US yields and weaker global demand on technology spending. Financial stocks also remained under pressure following India’s proposed limits on insurance commissions. PB Fintech plunged 36% on Thursday after the proposal, with its CEO warning it could weigh on its non-life insurance business, spending, and hiring. Welspun (4.6%), and Kaveri (5.0%) gained, while Infosys (-1.5%), and PB Fintech (-2.3%) fell. The benchmark is on track for a 0.8% weekly drop.