The SENSEX Index Closes 1.16% Higher

India’s BSE Sensex gained ground to close about 1.2% firmer at 74,151 on Thursday, its highest since mid-October, reversing the previous session's losses. Softer crude prices, steady US interest rates, upbeat corporate results and renewed institutional buying lifted sentiment. Gains spread across sectors, led by banking and financials, IT and FMCG stocks. Adani Ports surged 5.2%, making it the top performer, after it reported higher quarterly profit and raised its operating profit forecast. Hindustan Unilever gained 2.4% on higher quarterly profit. Meanwhile, Power Grid and NTPC rose 3.7% and 2.3%, respectively, on expectations that hotter weather associated with El Niño could boost electricity demand for cooling. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Eternal, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, Titan, Bharat Electronics and Infosys also posted strong gains. On the downside, Trent (-1.4%), Maruti Suzuki (-1%), Tech Mahindra (-0.2%) and HDFC Bank (-0.1%) recorded losses.

The SENSEX Index gained 846 points or 1.16 percent on Thursday to close at 74092 points. Gains were led by Adani Ports (6.17%), Power Grid (4.22%) and Kotak Mahindra Bank (4.09%).

India’s BSE Sensex edged up about 0.3% to 73,465 at the open on Thursday, recovering from the previous session’s losses as investors weighed the US Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady against elevated crude oil prices and a mixed corporate earnings outlook. Brent crude traded at around $114–$115 a barrel, raising concerns about inflation, the rupee, and corporate costs. Among stocks in focus, Hero MotoCorp’s quarterly profit missed estimates due to rising costs, while Vedanta’s net profit more than doubled on higher volumes and firm metal prices. United Spirits’ profit fell 2%, Meesho narrowed its quarterly loss, and PNB Housing Finance reported a 6% increase in profit on the back of loan growth. Meanwhile, Jio Platforms made a strong market debut on Wednesday, listing at a 21.4% premium to its IPO price. Notable gainers included Jio Platforms (3.5%), Reliance (1.5%), Birlasoft (9.7%), Infosys (0.9%), and TCS (0.6%).