31.10.202505:32:28UTC+00Sensex Falls but Poised for 2nd Monthly Gain

The BSE Sensex experienced a decrease of 221 points, equivalent to a 0.3% drop, settling at 84,184 during a volatile morning session on Friday. This decline marks the second consecutive session of losses, primarily driven by downturns in the metals, banking, and financial services sectors. The sentiment was further strained by ongoing foreign capital outflows. Investors remain on edge ahead of the quarterly earnings reports from several companies scheduled for release later today, notably Bharat Electronics and BPCL. Additionally, market participants are keenly awaiting the private PMI data from China—India’s major trading partner—as well as next week’s October trade data, following official reports indicating continued weakness in mainland China’s manufacturing activity. Despite these challenges, positive corporate earnings for the second quarter and easing US-China trade tensions helped mitigate further losses. On the downside, NTPC slipped by 2.1%, Kotak Mahindra Bank decreased by 1.1%, Tata Steel also dropped by 1.1%, and HDFC Bank receded by 0.8%. For the entire week, the index is projected to record its first weekly loss in five weeks, although it remains poised for a second consecutive monthly gain.