Indian equity markets pared some gains in late afternoon deals as Brent crude oil prices surged to trade near $115 a barrel after reports indicated that US President Donald Trump asked aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran. The extension is aimed at further restraining Iran from exporting its oil. The high energy prices have also weighed on rupee with rupee weakening by 15 paise to trade at 94.83 against US dollar. Besides, investors took a cautious approach ahead of exit polls of Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal elections. However, markets continued to trade well above the neutral lines as sentiments remained optimistic after Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India), said that India’s engineering exports to New Zealand are poised to double over the next five years, from $140.5 in 2025-26 million to $280-300 million, as the FTA provides zero-duty market access for all Indian goods.

On the global front, Asian equity markets were trading mixed tracking negative cues from Wall Street overnight. European equity markets were trading lower as investors awaited big tech earnings and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments for insights into the economic impact of the West Asia conflict.

The BSE Sensex is currently trading at 77570.04, up by 683.13 points or 0.89% after trading in a range of 77136.20 and 77982.51. There were 23 stocks advancing against 7 stocks declining on the index.

The top gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were Realty up by 1.61%, FMCG up by 1.60%, TECK up by 1.48%, Telecom up by 1.34% and Energy up by 1.13%, while Utilities down by 0.88%, Power down by 0.84%, Consumer Durables down by 0.33%, Capital Goods down by 0.14% and PSU down by 0.13% were the top losing indices on BSE.

The top gainers on the Sensex were ITC up by 3.74%, Tech Mahindra up by 3.63%, Maruti Suzuki up by 3.01%, Bharti Airtel up by 2.36% and Reliance Industries up by 1.98%. On the flip side, Interglobe Aviation down by 1.79%, NTPC down by 1.00%, Bajaj Finserv down by 0.71%, ICICI Bank down by 0.69% and Asian Paints down by 0.33% were the top losers.

Meanwhile, amidst early summer heat, India witnessed an all-time highest peak electricity demand of 256.1 GW on April 25, 2026, surpassing the previous all-time high of 250 GW recorded on May 30, 2024. This record-breaking demand was met completely without any shortage, supported by record capacity addition of around 65 GW during FY 2025-26, while maintaining uninterrupted power exports to neighboring countries. 

The demand was met through advance resource adequacy planning, optimal scheduling and dispatch of available generation resources, and close real-time coordination among NLDC, RLDCs, SLDCs, and generating stations, supported by efficient utilization of transmission corridors. Meanwhile, electricity consumption witnessed a significant growth of 8.9% during the month of April 2026 (Apr 01 to 27) over the corresponding period last year.

India met its highest-ever peak demand through a diverse portfolio of generation sources, including thermal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable energy, ensuring reliability and grid stability. Renewable energy, particularly solar, made a significant contribution, complemented by hydro and other flexible resources during peak conditions.

The CNX Nifty is currently trading at 24207.75, up by 212.05 points or 0.88% after trading in a range of 24059.95 and 24334.70. There were 37 stocks advancing against 13 stocks declining on the index.

The top gainers on Nifty were ITC up by 3.79%, Tech Mahindra up by 3.71%, Maruti Suzuki up by 3.01%, Coal India up by 2.88% and Bharti Airtel up by 2.46%. On the flip side, Interglobe Aviation down by 1.84%, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories down by 1.54%, NTPC down by 1.04%, ICICI Bank down by 0.70% and Bajaj Finserv down by 0.67% were the top losers.

Asian equity markets were trading mixed; Hang Seng advanced 409.22 points or 1.57% to 26,089.00, KOSPI increased 49.88 points or 0.75% to 6,690.90, Jakarta Composite gained 17.97 points or 0.25% to 7,090.36 and Shanghai Composite strengthened 28.87 points or 0.7% to 4,107.51, while Nikkei 225 slipped 619.9 points or 1.03% to 59,917.46, Taiwan Weighted lost 218.23 points or 0.56% to 39,303.50 and Straits Times fell 22.55 points or 0.46% to 4,865.14.

European equity markets were trading lower; UK’s FTSE 100 decreased 55.99 points or 0.54% to 10,276.80, France’s CAC fell 41.59 points or 0.51% to 8,062.50 and Germany’s DAX lost 70.96 points or 0.3% to 23,947.30.