India’s BSE Sensex closed 0.3% lower at 72,781.9 on Wednesday, giving up the previous session’s gains amid profit-booking. Sentiment was further weighed by a renewed rise in crude oil prices, persistent geopolitical tensions, and continued foreign portfolio outflows. Foreign investors extended their selling streak to a 13th consecutive session on Tuesday, pushing year-to-date outflows to a record $32.52 billion.
Investors also stayed cautious ahead of key US inflation data and continued to track the ongoing corporate earnings season. On the downside, Bajaj Finance fell 2.6%, M&M slipped 2.2%, Bajaj Finserv declined 2%, Eternal dropped 1.7%, and ICICI Bank lost 1.5%.
In contrast, technology stocks outperformed. Infosys gained 2.5%, Tech Mahindra rose 2.2%, TCS advanced 1.5% and HCLTech added 0.6%. The sector drew strong buying interest after HCLTech reported quarterly profits that beat market expectations. FMCG and oil & gas counters also ended higher.
