Benchmark equity indices opened higher on Friday, May 29, 2026, supported by a decline in crude oil prices, gains in information technology stocks and firm cues from global markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 352.22 points to 76,220.02 in early trade, while the NSE Nifty advanced 95.65 points to 24,002.80. Investors reacted positively to reports that the United States and Iran had reached an understanding to extend the ceasefire for another 60 days, a development that eased concerns over West Asia and weighed on oil prices.
Brent crude, the global benchmark, traded 1.12% lower at $92.66 a barrel. Market strategists said the fall in crude was an important positive for India, as lower oil prices help reduce inflationary pressure and improve the country’s external and fiscal balances. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, said Brent falling below $93 was a major supportive factor and that any further decline could strengthen India’s macroeconomic outlook, which has been under strain from elevated energy prices.
Among Sensex constituents, Infosys, Trent, HCL Tech, Tata Consultancy Services and Maruti were among the top gainers. On the other hand, Bharti Airtel, ITC, Bharat Electronics and InterGlobe Aviation were among the laggards. The broader rally was also aided by a positive trend in Asian equities. South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng traded in the green, although Shanghai’s SSE Composite moved lower. U.S. markets had also finished higher on Thursday, adding to the upbeat sentiment.
R. Ponmudi, CEO of Enrich Money, said reports of a 60-day truce renewal between the U.S. and Iran, pending final approval from U.S. President Donald Trump, boosted global risk appetite and raised hopes of continued de-escalation in West Asia. While formal confirmation was still awaited, the prospect of reduced geopolitical tension was seen as supportive for markets.
Trading sentiment was also helped by the reopening of domestic markets after they remained closed on Thursday, May 28, for Eid-ul-Azha. However, foreign institutional investors continued to book profits, offloading equities worth ₹1,042.70 crore on Wednesday, May 27, according to exchange data.
The previous session had ended on a weaker note. On Wednesday, May 27, the Sensex fell 141.90 points, or 0.19%, to close at 75,867.80, while the Nifty slipped 6.55 points, or 0.03%, to finish at 23,907.15. The latest gains suggested that investors were turning more optimistic as lower crude prices and improving global cues outweighed near-term selling pressure from foreign investors.
