The combined market valuation of nine of India's 10 most-valued companies increased by an impressive Rs 2.15 lakh crore last week, reflecting a strong rebound in investor sentiment amid improving global market conditions. Telecom major Bharti Airtel emerged as the biggest gainer among the country's top firms, benefiting from the broader rally in equity markets.
The positive momentum came as the benchmark BSE Sensex advanced 1,274.95 points, or 1.68 per cent, during the week, supported by easing geopolitical tensions, lower crude oil prices and a gradual improvement in global risk appetite.
Market experts attributed the rally to a more optimistic investment climate worldwide. According to Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth technology platform, Indian equities extended their recovery as concerns over geopolitical developments softened and crude prices retreated from recent highs.
"Indian equity markets extended their recovery during the week, supported by easing geopolitical concerns, softer crude oil prices, and improving global risk sentiment. Although negotiations remain ongoing and the agreement is yet to be fully implemented, the reduction in geopolitical uncertainty has significantly improved market sentiment," he said.
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Among the top-10 companies, Bharti Airtel recorded the sharpest rise in market capitalisation. The telecom giant added Rs 52,432.67 crore to its valuation, taking its overall market worth to Rs 11,62,963.30 crore. The strong gain underlined investors' confidence in the company's growth prospects and operational performance.
State-owned insurance behemoth Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was the second-biggest contributor to the week's gains. Its market valuation climbed by Rs 51,675.23 crore to reach Rs 5,56,726.30 crore.
Bajaj Finance also witnessed substantial investor interest, with its market capitalisation rising by Rs 26,553.71 crore to Rs 5,98,501.25 crore. Meanwhile, Reliance Industries, India's most valuable company, added Rs 22,464.02 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 17,71,882.96 crore.
Engineering and infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) registered a notable increase of Rs 21,929.12 crore in its market value, which stood at Rs 5,79,126.95 crore at the end of the week. Similarly, State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, saw its market capitalisation rise by Rs 16,753.57 crore to Rs 9,55,415.07 crore.
Private sector banking giant HDFC Bank also participated in the rally, adding Rs 11,948.72 crore to its valuation and taking its market capitalisation to Rs 12,01,263.14 crore. Fast-moving consumer goods leader Hindustan Unilever gained Rs 6,661.1 crore, pushing its valuation to Rs 5,15,946.75 crore.
ICICI Bank rounded off the list of gainers among the top firms, with its market capitalisation increasing by Rs 4,724.22 crore to Rs 9,66,021.99 crore. In contrast, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was the only company among the top-10 most-valued firms to witness a decline in market valuation during the week. The IT major's market capitalisation fell by Rs 12,699.49 crore, bringing its overall valuation down to Rs 7,69,350.13 crore.
Despite the mixed performance across sectors, Reliance Industries retained its position as India's most-valued listed company. It was followed by HDFC Bank and Bharti Airtel in the second and third spots, respectively.
ICICI Bank ranked fourth among the country's most valuable firms, followed by State Bank of India, TCS, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, LIC and Hindustan Unilever. The overall increase in market capitalisation among leading companies highlighted renewed investor confidence and reinforced the positive sentiment prevailing in domestic equity markets.
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