23.04.202611:17:39UTC+00Sensex Sees 2nd Day of Losses

India’s BSE Sensex closed about 1.1% lower at 77,664 on Thursday, extending losses for a second straight session. The index came under pressure from elevated crude oil prices amid persistent geopolitical tensions and stalled US–Iran talks, while foreign investors continued to pull out funds for a second day. Sentiment weakened further after HSBC downgraded Indian equities to “underweight,” citing rising risks to growth and demand in an import-dependent economy.

Investors also focused on the ongoing corporate earnings season. Sectoral performance was broadly negative, with banking, technology, retail and auto stocks among the biggest laggards, while defensive pockets and capital goods shares managed to advance. Trent was the worst performer, sliding 4.2% despite a stronger-than-expected Q4 print, as brokerages flagged concerns around its fund-raising plans and demand outlook. M&M (-3.3%), Bajaj Finserv (-2.9%), Tech Mahindra (-2.9%), Infosys (-2%) and HDFC Bank (-1.9%) also recorded sharp declines. In contrast, Adani Ports (+1%), L&T (+0.8%) and Sun Pharma (+0.6%) were the session’s top gainers.