Mumbai

Indian stock markets ended the week on a strong note, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rising close to 1 per cent on Friday, supported by easing geopolitical tensions and fresh foreign institutional inflows.

Investor sentiment improved amid expectations of diplomatic progress between the US and Iran, along with a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This eased concerns over global instability and strengthened risk appetite across markets.

The BSE Sensex climbed 504.86 points (0.65%) to close at 78,493.54, after touching an intraday high of 78,553.45. The NSE Nifty rose 156.80 points (0.65%) to settle at 24,353.55.

Among Sensex constituents, major gainers included Hindustan Unilever, Power Grid, Reliance Industries, Bharat Electronics, Tech Mahindra, and Titan. However, Sun Pharma, Mahindra & Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro, and HCL Tech ended in the red.

Global crude oil prices also eased, with Brent crude falling over 3 per cent to USD 96.34 per barrel, helping to support market sentiment by reducing inflation and currency pressure concerns.

Market experts noted that reduced fears of prolonged West Asia tensions, along with improving foreign fund inflows, contributed to the positive momentum. FIIs bought equities worth ₹382.36 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.

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Global cues were mixed, with Asian markets closing lower, while European indices traded higher in mid-session. US markets had ended in positive territory in the previous session.

On Thursday, markets had ended lower, with the Sensex falling 122.56 points and the Nifty slipping 34.55 points.