Positive Global Cues, Falling Crude Oil Prices and Strengthening Rupee Boost Investor Sentiment

Indian equity markets traded firmly in positive territory on Thursday morning, supported by encouraging global market cues, easing crude oil prices, and broad-based buying across key sectors. Benchmark indices extended their gains during early trade, with the BSE Sensex climbing nearly 500 points while the NSE Nifty50 reclaimed the 24,170 mark.

At around 10:00 AM, the BSE Sensex was trading 496.88 points higher at 77,488.10, gaining 0.65%, while the Nifty50 rose 152.20 points, or 0.63%, to 24,173.85.

The rally reflected improved investor confidence after global markets responded positively to easing geopolitical concerns and declining crude oil prices, factors that could help reduce inflationary pressures and support corporate earnings.

Auto Stocks Drive the Market Higher

The automobile sector emerged as the strongest performer in Thursday's session, with the Nifty Auto Index gaining nearly 1.7% during early trade.

Leading the rally were:

• InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo)

• Mahindra & Mahindra

• Maruti Suzuki India

• UNO Minda

• TVS Motor Company

Buying interest in automobile counters was driven by expectations of sustained domestic demand, improving supply chains, and easing input costs following the decline in global crude oil prices.

Broader Markets Continue to Outperform

The broader market also maintained positive momentum, indicating healthy participation beyond large-cap stocks.

• Nifty MidCap Index: +0.56%

• Nifty SmallCap Index: +0.36%

The positive performance across mid-cap and small-cap stocks suggests that investors remain optimistic about domestic growth prospects despite ongoing global uncertainties.

Sectoral Performance

Most sectoral indices traded in the green, although gains remained selective.

Top Performing Sectors

• Nifty Auto

• Nifty Realty

• Consumer Discretionary

Underperforming Sectors

• Nifty Metal

• Nifty Media

Information technology stocks also witnessed mixed trading despite continued optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and global technology spending.

Rupee Strengthens as Crude Oil Prices Ease

The Indian rupee appreciated by 31 paise to 94.24 against the US dollar during early trade.

The currency was supported by a sharp decline in global crude oil prices, which have now slipped below levels seen before the recent escalation in geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Lower oil prices are expected to ease India's import bill and improve macroeconomic stability, offering additional support to domestic financial markets.

IPO Market Remains Active

The primary market continued to witness healthy activity with several public issues either opening or remaining available for subscription.

Crazy Snacks launched its ₹31.47 crore IPO, comprising both a fresh issue and an offer for sale.

Meanwhile, the following IPOs entered their second day of subscription:

• CSM Technologies (₹145.78 crore)

• Dhanwel Hybrid Seeds (₹27.53 crore)

• Sri Priyanka Geo Commex (₹94.51 crore)

In addition, Advit Jewels and Waterways Leisure Tourism entered the final day of bidding as investors continued to evaluate opportunities in the SME and mainboard segments.

Global Developments Remain in Focus

Global sentiment remained supportive as investors monitored developments surrounding the United States and Iran. Market participants also tracked comments from US President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global oil shipping route.

Although geopolitical risks continue to influence investor sentiment, the recent moderation in crude oil prices has helped ease concerns over inflation and global economic growth.

HCLTech Expands AI Partnership

Among corporate developments, HCLTech announced an expanded collaboration with Google Cloud and ServiceNow to accelerate enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence through AI agents powered by the Gemini Enterprise platform.

The announcement reflects the increasing focus of Indian IT companies on AI-driven digital transformation opportunities across global enterprises.

Market Outlook

Market experts believe investor sentiment remains constructive as easing energy prices, resilient domestic fundamentals, and improving global risk appetite continue to support equities. The focus now shifts to upcoming macroeconomic data, foreign institutional investor flows, corporate announcements, and the progress of ongoing IPOs.

If global markets remain stable and crude oil prices continue to soften, Indian benchmark indices may witness further upside, with auto, financials, and select consumption-oriented sectors expected to remain in focus.