18.03.202604:21:40UTC+00Sensex Extends Gains on 3rd Day

India’s BSE Sensex climbed about 0.6% to 76,514 on Wednesday, extending gains for a third straight session. The advance was supported by a positive tone across Asian markets as oil prices steadied, though they remained above $100 per barrel. The rebound was measured, with sentiment still constrained by geopolitical tensions keeping crude elevated and by continued foreign capital outflows.

Investors are also focused on the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision due later in the day. The Fed is widely expected to leave its benchmark rate unchanged at 3.75%, as persistent concerns over oil-driven inflation push back expectations for rate cuts this year.

Most sectors opened in positive territory, led by technology shares, while only non-energy minerals underperformed. Among individual names, early gainers included Urban (+11.4%), Bajaj Finance (+0.9%), Tata Consultancy (+2.9%), Mahindra & Mahindra (+2.1%), and Eternal (+1.3%). The Sensex has now risen about 2.6% so far this week, recovering part of the sharp losses suffered during its worst week in years.