Sensex, Nifty stay afloat in green territory

Indian equity benchmarks stayed afloat in green territory in early afternoon session, maintaining their positive momentum amid some buying interest across key sectors. Investors were assessing the latest GDP and PMI data for cues on economic growth and business activity. India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth surged to 7.8% in April-June quarter (first quarter) of current fiscal year 2026-27 (Q1FY27), from 6.9% in Q1FY26, while the seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) eased from 53.5 in July to 52.8 in August.

Both indices, Sensex and Nifty remained in the green zone during early afternoon deals after a weak start. But, elevated crude oil prices, rising global bond yields and Middle East tensions continued to keep gains in check.

On the global front, Asian markets were trading mixed, as concerns about a re-escalation of military conflict in the Middle East and a spike in crude oil prices added to worries about global inflation and interest rates. US President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran 'hard' after the two foes traded fire for the first time in over a month.

The BSE Sensex is currently trading at 77174.26, up by 216.99 points or 0.28% after trading in a range of 76764.26 and 77231.87. There were 16 stocks advancing against 14 stocks declining on the index.

The top gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were TECK up by 1.47%, IT up by 1.36%, Oil & Gas up by 1.00%, Energy up by 0.99% and FMCG up by 0.60%, while Consumer Durables down by 1.04%, Realty down by 0.97%, Capital Goods down by 0.59%, Auto down by 0.48% and Consumer Disc down by 0.38% were the top losing indices on BSE.

The top gainers on the Sensex were ITC up by 4.00%, HCL Technologies up by 3.85%, Kotak Mahindra Bank up by 2.21%, Bharti Airtel up by 2.05% and Infosys up by 1.82%. On the flip side, Bajaj Finserv down by 2.06%, Interglobe Aviation down by 2.05%, State Bank of India down by 1.74%, Titan Company down by 1.37% and Sun Pharma down by 0.87% were the top losers.

Meanwhile, India’s manufacturing sector continued expansion but at its slowest pace in five years in August 2026 amid softer demand conditions, which subsequently led to weaker increases in buying levels and stocks, as well as a mild decline in employment. According to the survey report, the seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) eased from 53.5 in July to 52.8 in August. 

The survey report showed that new business increased at a marked rate but one that was the slowest for five years, amid challenging market conditions and subdued appetite for some products. Export sales also rose further, with gains reported from markets including Australia, Germany, mainland China, Spain, Thailand and the US. However, growth of international orders eased from July.

Production volumes at Indian manufacturers continued to rise strongly in August, but growth eased to its weakest level for five years. Besides, the softer sales environment was reflected in workforce and purchasing decisions. Manufacturing employment fell for the first time in two-and-a-half years, though the rate of decline was only fractional. Meanwhile, input cost pressures continued to ease, and manufacturers responded by raising selling prices more modestly.

The CNX Nifty is currently trading at 24108.40, up by 28.00 points or 0.12% after trading in a range of 24009.50 and 24143.15. There were 22 stocks advancing against 28 stocks declining on the index.

The top gainers on Nifty were ITC up by 4.15%, HCL Technologies up by 4.01%, Adani Ports & SEZ up by 3.47%, Bharti Airtel up by 3.13% and Reliance Industries up by 2.60%. On the flip side, Shriram Finance down by 4.01%, Maruti Suzuki India down by 3.80%, Nestle India down by 3.13%, Asian Paints down by 2.99% and Interglobe Aviation down by 2.98% were the top losers.

Asian markets were trading mixed; Jakarta Composite gained 63.3 points or 0.97% to 6,588.78, KOSPI increased 15.78 points or 0.23% to 6,835.80, Taiwan Weighted added 820.25 points or 1.75% to 46,948.72 and Nikkei 225 surged 184.07 points or 0.28% to 66,496.00, while Hang Seng declined 245.99 points or 0.96% to 25,321.00, Straits Times fell 25.46 points or 0.44% to 5,729.90 and Shanghai Composite weakened 6.41 points or 0.16% to 3,979.89.