Equity indices open in green; Sensex gains 280 points

Indian equity markets opened sharply higher on Friday, tracking positive global cues, with the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex gaining around 280 points in early trade.

The broader market sentiment remained upbeat after US stocks closed at record levels on Thursday, while Asian markets also opened higher, providing support to domestic equities.

At around 9.30 a.m., the Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange was trading at 11,319.70, up 85.35 points, or 0.76 per cent, from its previous close.

The Sensex had opened at 37,278.89 and climbed to 37,403.57, gaining 282.35 points, or 0.76 per cent, over its previous close of 37,121.22.

During the early session, the Sensex touched an intraday high of 37,427.10 and a low of 37,202.94.

The positive opening reflected the broader improvement in investor sentiment across global markets. Asian equities gained after Wall Street indices reached fresh record highs, encouraging investors to take positions in riskier assets.

Indian markets had remained closed on Thursday on account of Muharram. The strong opening on Friday therefore came after a one-day trading break, with investors also responding to movements in global markets during the holiday.

The early gains indicated that domestic equities were benefiting from favourable international sentiment, although market movements during the session were expected to remain sensitive to global developments and investor positioning.