India’s BSE Sensex closed about 0.4% higher at 73,895.7 on Friday, partially recovering from the previous session’s losses, supported by easing oil prices amid renewed hopes for a resolution to the Middle East conflict. However, overall sentiment remained fragile due to heightened geopolitical uncertainty and persistent foreign outflows.
Reports indicated that US and Iranian negotiators were exploring a phased agreement under which Tehran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Washington would ease its blockade of Iranian ports.
Selective buying was seen 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 downside, Trent (-1.4%), Infosys (-0.8%) and Kotak Bank (-0.5%) were the main laggards. For the week, the benchmark index slipped about 0.5%.
