FX.co ★ Sensex Steady at 2-Month High

India’s BSE Sensex climbed about 0.5% to 77,293 on Wednesday, advancing for a fifth straight session and marking its highest level since late August. The rally was underpinned by strong corporate earnings and steady buying interest.

Nonetheless, investors stayed cautious ahead of the US midterm election results, which could affect global risk appetite, trade prospects, and geopolitical dynamics. Rising crude oil prices also remained a headwind for India, a major oil importer. Brent crude traded around $103 per barrel after touching a near four-week low, amid optimism over potential progress toward resolving the conflicts involving Ukraine and Iran.

In corporate news, NSE reported a 23% year-on-year increase in Q2 profit, while Bata India posted a 30.4% rise in earnings. Equitas Small Finance Bank appointed Balaji Nuthalapadi as interim CEO.

Financials led the advance, with notable gains in HDFC Bank (3.6%), ICICI Bank (2.7%), Bajaj Finance (1.1%), and NSE (1.4%).