Mumbai: Indian equity markets began the week on a positive note, with benchmark indices opening in the green on Monday, supported by upbeat global signals. The BSE Sensex climbed 139.36 points to start the session at 78,632.90, while the Nifty 50 edged up 37.95 points to 24,391.50.
In the previous trading session, the Sensex had settled at 78,493.54, and the Nifty closed at 24,353.55, indicating modest gains at the opening bell. Broader market indices also showed a positive trend in early deals. The BSE Midcap Select Index moved higher by over 90 points, while the Smallcap Select Index recorded a marginal uptick, reflecting cautious optimism among investors.
Among frontline stocks, Trent Limited emerged as the top gainer, rising more than 2 per cent in initial trade. Shares of State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Adani Ports and Asian Paints also traded in positive territory.
On the downside, HDFC Bank led the losers, slipping around 0.7 per cent. Other laggards included Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Reliance Industries and Eternal.
Despite the early gains in headline indices, market breadth remained weak. Data from the National Stock Exchange showed that declining stocks outnumbered advancing ones, with 1,753 shares falling compared to 1,049 that advanced, while 109 remained unchanged.
Analysts noted that rising global crude oil prices, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, could limit upside in domestic equities. Investors are expected to remain cautious as they track developments in global markets and energy prices through the trading session.
