The combined market value of six among the ten largest Indian companies increased by Rs 88,678 crore during a shortened trading week, led by gains at ICICI Bank. The Sensex advanced 297.57 points or 0.38 percent, while the Nifty rose 42.9 points or 0.17 percent. Analysts noted modest advances across three of four sessions, aided by lower crude prices, better conditions in West Asia and selective foreign investor purchases. Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finance and Larsen & Toubro recorded valuation gains. Bharti Airtel, TCS, LIC and Hindustan Unilever saw declines. ICICI Bank added the most at Rs 29,588 crore, reaching Rs 9,95,611 crore. HDFC Bank gained Rs 24,718 crore to Rs 12,25,981 crore. Reliance added Rs 12,044 crore to Rs 17,83,927 crore. Bajaj Finance rose Rs 11,580 crore to Rs 6,10,082 crore. State Bank of India increased Rs 9,323 crore to Rs 9,64,738 crore. Larsen & Toubro added Rs 1,424 crore to Rs 5,80,551 crore. Bharti Airtel lost Rs 35,615 crore to Rs 11,27,348 crore. LIC fell Rs 21,189 crore to Rs 5,35,538 crore. TCS declined Rs 11,144 crore to Rs 7,58,206 crore. Hindustan Unilever dropped Rs 5,322 crore to Rs 5,10,625 crore. Reliance remained the highest-valued firm, followed by HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, TCS, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, LIC and Hindustan Unilever.
