India’s BSE Sensex rose about 0.4% to around 75,793 on Tuesday, extending gains for a second straight session despite market volatility, even as higher crude prices linked to Middle East tensions tempered sentiment. Non-energy minerals, communications, and electronic technology sectors led gains, with notable gainers including ITI (+3.2%), Eternal (+2.9%), BSE (+2%), and Bajel Projects (+6.4%). While oil prices climbed above $103 per barrel amid Middle East shipping disruptions, the broader market showed resilience amid global uncertainties. Foreign investors also sold about $1.01 billion in Indian equities on Monday, with roughly $6.9 billion withdrawn so far in March. Monday’s data showed India’s trade deficit widened to $27.10 billion in February from $14.42 billion a year earlier, below the $28 billion forecast, as higher freight costs and West Asia disruptions weighed, the fuller impact of Gulf tensions is yet to emerge and will pressure trade flows.
