Indian equity markets started Friday’s trading session on a positive note, with the benchmark Sensex gaining around 100 points and the Nifty 50 trading near the 23,100 mark. The recovery comes a day after the domestic market suffered one of its sharpest single-session declines in recent weeks. 

The BSE Sensex opened at 73,689.90, gaining 109.36 points, or 0.15%, according to early market data. The Nifty 50 was trading above 23,100 in the opening phase. 

The cautious recovery follows Thursday’s heavy selling, when the Sensex plunged 1,247.71 points, or 1.67%, to 73,580.54, while the Nifty declined 383.70 points, or 1.64%, to 23,063.10. 

PB Fintech rebounds

PB Fintech was among the stocks attracting significant attention in early trade. The company’s shares recovered nearly 2% after suffering their biggest intraday decline since listing in the previous session. The company has also commented on the potential impact of proposed changes in insurance regulations, particularly on its general insurance business. 

Crude oil and global cues remain key

Despite the positive opening, investors remain cautious because Brent crude was trading above $105 a barrel, while elevated US Treasury yields continue to influence global risk sentiment. GIFT Nifty had indicated a mildly positive start before the market opened. 

Foreign institutional investors also remained sellers, offloading shares worth ₹5,027.36 crore on Thursday, while domestic institutional investors bought equities worth ₹4,301 crore, according to NSE data cited by Upstox. 

Stocks in focus

PB Fintech, Hero Motors and SS Retail were among the most actively traded stocks in the early session, drawing attention from market participants amid heightened volatility.

Sectorally, the opening picture was mixed. Auto and realty stocks showed strength, while IT stocks remained under pressure in early trade. 

What investors are watching

Market participants will closely monitor crude oil movements, global bond yields, foreign fund flows and geopolitical developments through Friday’s session. After Thursday’s sharp correction, the ability of the Nifty to sustain levels around 23,100 and the Sensex to hold above 73,500 will remain important short-term market markers.