Key gauges trade marginally in green in morning deals

In a volatile session, Indian equity benchmarks were trading marginally in green in morning deals, amid lower crude oil prices after reports Iran and Oman reached an interim deal on the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Traders took some solace with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s statement that the rural economy and the agriculture sector have become more resilient over the years, supported by the growth of allied activities, expanded irrigation, greater farm mechanisation, and improved crop varieties. 

The BSE Sensex traded modestly higher in morning trade, supported by buying in index heavyweights. However, gains were capped as market volatility persisted ahead of the weekly F&O expiry scheduled for later in the day.

The Nifty 50 traded flat with positive bias in morning deals, as investors assess the chances of an Iran peace deal. However, investor remained cautious after data from the NSE showed foreign institutional investors (FIIs) turned net sellers in Indian equities, offloading shares worth Rs 943.42 crore on August 5, 2026.

On the global front, Asian markets are trading mostly in red as investors await cues from Friday's closely watched U.S. nonfarm payrolls report. Investors also assessed whether progress in Iran-Oman talks could pave the way for a U.S.-Iran peace deal to end the five-month war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. 

The BSE Sensex is currently trading at 78736.53, up by 155.53 points or 0.20% after trading in a range of 78633.73 and 78841.43. There were 14 stocks advancing against 16 stocks declining on the index.

The top gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were Capital Goods up by 0.75%, Healthcare up by 0.64%, Industrials up by 0.63%, Consumer Durables up by 0.51% and Energy up by 0.47%, while Power down by 0.68%, Utilities down by 0.67%, Realty down by 0.51%, IT down by 0.24% and TECK down by 0.20% were the top losing indices on BSE.

The top gainers on the Sensex were Eternal up by 1.85%, Titan Company up by 1.43%, Reliance Industries up by 1.41%, Bharat Electronics up by 1.23% and Bajaj Finance up by 0.80%. On the flip side, Power Grid down by 2.78%, Trent down by 1.14%, Mahindra & Mahindra down by 0.93%, TCS down by 0.91% and NTPC down by 0.91% were the top losers.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that Africa is a key partner and a priority for India. He asserted that the continent must be given its due place whether one speaks of a multipolar world order or of a reformed multilateralism. Moreover, he said that India continues to maintain close contact with the African Union and looks forward to reconvening the deferred India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-4).

He stated ‘Earlier this year, we were ready to host the African leadership at the fourth India Africa Forum Summit. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Ebola virus led to the postponement of the Summit. The decision to postpone it was jointly taken by our partners of the African Union and India.’ He said ‘Together, we represent not only a very significant share of the world’s population, but also a powerful joint force for global progress. Building on our shared foundations and ambitions, our two sides are ready to grasp opportunities, and co-create a bright future, one based on innovation and sustainability, and that drives our country and the Global South and the world to a better tomorrow.’

He also underlined that human resource development remains at the heart of engagement with Africa and the partnership has proven its strength and resilience during crises. He added ‘Whether it was the Covid pandemic, natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, India has always stood firmly with Africa, guided by the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the world is one family. And, we know that Africa has a similar outlook in Ubuntu - I Am Because We Are’.

Besides, he said that India has opened 17 new diplomatic missions in recent years, expanding the country's resident footprint to 46 African nations. he said ‘India is a strong votary of Africa's rightful place in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC). We, similarly, seek your support to ensure India's permanent seat on the UNSC’.

The CNX Nifty is currently trading at 24635.70, up by 11.05 points or 0.04% after trading in a range of 24604.15 and 24665.05. There were 19 stocks advancing against 31 stocks declining on the index.

The top gainers on Nifty were Eternal up by 2.92%, Shriram Finance up by 2.33%, Cipla up by 1.79%, Reliance Industries up by 1.59% and Titan Company up by 1.39%. On the flip side, Power Grid down by 2.56%, Trent down by 1.87%, ONGC down by 1.42%, NTPC down by 1.40% and Hindalco Industries down by 1.20% were the top losers.

Asian markets are trading mostly in red; Nikkei 225 slipped 460.44 points or 0.69% to 65,840.00, Taiwan Weighted lost 250.65 points or 0.56% to 44,360.95, Jakarta Composite plunged 1.3 points or 0.02% to 6,349.84, KOSPI dropped 254.42 points or 3.86% to 6,343.84 and Hang Seng declined 440.82 points or 1.7% to 25,475.00.

On the flip side, Straits Times rose 57.28 points or 1.03% to 5,638.65 and Shanghai Composite strengthened 6.56 points or 0.17% to 3,884.99.