Sensex, Nifty open marginally higher amid rising crude prices, weak global cues

Indian equities opened slightly higher on Friday, 30 Oct, with Brent crude holding elevated levels and geopolitical tensions adding pressure. Sensex started at 74,199.69 and traded near 74,236.30, up 85.26 points (+0.11%) versus the previous close of 74,151.04, while Nifty opened at 22,964.50 and was around 22,956.00, up 19.25 points (+0.08%) from 22,936.75. Most broad market indices and several sectoral groups were down, but IT and mid-and-small IT & telecom led early gains, while Nifty cement was the top decliner. Commodities were mixed with Brent around $112.13/bbl and crude around $103.15/bbl. Analysts cited potential US action related to Iran and noted a post-selloff rally in small-caps, though they said market conditions remain challenging for a sustained upswing.