India’s BSE Sensex closed about 0.4% firmer at 81,857.5 on Tuesday, in a session marked by sharp intraday volatility, largely due to monthly derivatives expiry. Market sentiment was boosted by robust quarterly earnings and the announcement of a major India–EU free trade agreement. Under the deal, India will cut or remove tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods, while the EU will reduce tariffs on 99.5% over seven years. This development also raised hopes of a US tariff reduction on India. Axis Bank led gains, climbing 5%, after reporting a surprise profit rise on healthy loan growth, while Adani Ports jumped 4.5% following the announcement of a INR 30,000 crore investment in Vizhinjam Seaport. UltraTech Cement rose 2% due to better-than-expected Q3 results. Tata Steel advanced 2.7%, tracking solid results from JSW Steel and higher metal prices. Auto stocks bucked the trend as concerns grew over increased competition from lower car import tariffs.
