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Elections 2026: Sensex rises 356 pts, Nifty up 122 as markets cheer poll-driven optimism
On May 4, 2026, Indian benchmark indices closed higher as Sensex rose to 77,269.40 and Nifty reached 24,119.30, helped by buying in blue-chip stocks and poll-driven optimism. Earlier, markets had fallen on April 30, and trading was paused on Maharashtra Day (May 1), with sentiment turning supportive after West Bengal election cues and solid Q4 earnings.
Why It Matters
The rally signals how political developments and corporate earnings influence market sentiment in India, potentially shaping investment flows ahead of ongoing state polls.
Timeline
6 Events
Global context and risk sentiment cited by analysts
May 4, 2026
Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder of Livelong Wealth, noted easing geopolitical concerns, progress in US–Iran discussions, and signs of a stronger tech-led rally abroad contributing to a favourable risk environment for Indian equities.
Stock-specific momentum: Maruti Suzuki and Hindustan Unilever lead
May 4, 2026
Stock-specific momentum added to the upside, with leaders like Maruti Suzuki and Hindustan Unilever driving gains on the back of strong operational updates.
Market drivers: election results and earnings; crude price context
May 4, 2026
Investor sentiment remained supported by a favourable election outcome in West Bengal and better-than-expected Q4 earnings, helping markets look past Middle East-related concerns. Brent crude rose to USD 109.8 per barrel, up 1.48%.
Sensex ends higher; intraday high seen at around 77,910; Nifty at 24,119
May 4, 2026
The Sensex rose 355.90 points (0.46%) to settle at 77,269.40, after an intraday high of 77,910.75. The Nifty gained 121.75 points (0.51%) to end at 24,119.30.
Markets closed for Maharashtra Day; US markets end Friday higher
May 1, 2026
Stock exchanges were closed on Friday for Maharashtra Day. In the United States, markets ended mostly higher on Friday, contributing to a constructive global tone.
Sensex declines as markets react to Thursday data
April 30, 2026
The BSE Sensex fell 582.86 points (0.75%) to 76,913.50, while the Nifty declined 180.10 points (0.74%) to 23,997.55. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹8,047.86 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹3,487.10 crore, according to exchange data.