FX.co ★ Sensex Extends Gains on Lower Oil Prices

India’s BSE Sensex climbed roughly 0.7% to 77,383 in early trade on Thursday, extending gains from the previous session, as a decline in crude oil prices improved sentiment in the import-dependent economy. Brent crude fell below $71 per barrel after signs of progress in indirect US–Iran negotiations, easing concerns over India’s inflation outlook and import bill.

On the corporate front, V-Mart Retail advanced after posting a 23% year-on-year increase in quarterly revenue and 9% same-store sales growth. Banking shares were also in focus, with Indian Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank both reporting double-digit growth in gross advances.

Despite the positive opening, overall risk appetite remained tempered ahead of key US unemployment data due later in the day. The jobless rate is expected to hold steady at 4.3%, and the release could provide fresh signals on the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate trajectory.

Among the top performers were Vedanta Oil and Gas (up 11.6%), RHIM (9.4%), Sonata (8.5%), Exide (5.2%), Infosys (4.6%), and Vedanta (4.1%).