Jun 20, 2025, 11:47 GMT+7
(Reuters) -India's equity benchmarks edged higher on Friday, led by financials after the central bank relaxed project financing rules, but the raging Middle East conflict curbed the rise.
The Nifty 50was up 0.48% at 24,912.5 while the BSE Sensexrose 0.48% to 81,748.89 as of 10:12 a.m. IST.
Twelve of the 13 major sectoral indexes advanced. Financialsrose 0.5%, with state-run banksup 0.8%.
Power financiers such as Power Financeand RECgained about 3% each after the Reserve Bank of India eased norms for infrastructure lending from October 2025.
It lowered provisioning requirements for under-construction and operational projects, making funding cheaper for banks.
"The RBI has taken a distinctly softer stance -- relaxing provisioning in a move that's clearly lender-friendly," Citi Research said in a note.
The broader small-capsand mid-capsrose about 0.5% each.
"Markets have opened firm after a three-day losing streak, but investors remain on edge over escalating Middle East tensions," said Prashanth Tapse, senior vice president of research at Mehta Equities, warning that volatility could become the new norm.
Overnight, Israel bombed Iranian nuclear sites, triggering retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Iran. Fears of a potential U.S. attack on Iran hung over markets after the White House said U.S. President Donald Trump would decide within two weeks whether the U.S. would back Israel militarily.
Among individual stocks, Sun TVfell 4% after media reports that Indian lawmaker Dayanidhi Maran sent a legal notice to Kalanithi Maran, his brother and chairman of Sun TV, alleging irregularities tied to Kalanithi's ownership in the company.
Both Trentand Bharat Electronics rose 1% after being added to the Sensex. IndusInd Bankslipped 0.1% following its removal from the index
Sumber : Reuters
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