FX.co ★ India Stocks Edge Higher, Approach 2-Week Peak

The BSE Sensex advanced by 260 points, or 0.3%, reaching 81,467 on Monday, marking its third successive rise and achieving its highest level since September 24. This growth was bolstered by sector-wide improvements, with notable gains in technology, banking, and financial services stocks, which increased by 1.3%, 0.8%, and 0.7% respectively, following the central bank's lending reform initiatives. Investor sentiment was further supported by optimism surrounding the impending quarterly earnings season. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures experienced a slight uptick as traders dismissed concerns regarding a potential government shutdown. On the economic data front, final figures indicated that India's private sector experienced its slowest growth rate in three months during September, due to a slowdown in output growth across both manufacturing and services sectors. Leading the performance were Bajaj Finance with a 2.1% rise, Tata Consultancy Services at 1.8%, Axis Bank at 1.7%, Tech Mahindra at 1.5%, and HCL Technologies also at 1.5%.