India’s BSE Sensex opened about 0.7% higher at 74,402 on Wednesday, extending the previous session’s gains despite intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that continued to weigh on risk sentiment.
The benchmark index outperformed the broader Asian market, which remained weak, as investors weighed the support from the Reserve Bank of India’s recent liquidity and foreign-exchange measures against renewed worries over escalating conflict in the region, which pushed crude oil prices higher.
Consumer non-durables led the advance, with notable gains in Hindustan (+2.9%), Cupid (+2.7%), Nestle (+2.8%), COLPAL (+2.9%), and Varun (+1.0%). Strength was also broad-based across other sectors, with key movers including Meesho (+1.7%), Himadri (+1.6%), Reliance (+2.1%), Afcons (+5.9%), and TCS (+1.2%).
Looking ahead, investors are expected to closely track developments in the Middle East, movements in crude oil prices, foreign portfolio investment flows, and the rupee for further cues through the remainder of the session.
