Indian Stocks Rise on Lower Oil Prices

Indian stocks rose on Thursday as lower oil prices boosted investor sentiment. The Sensex gained 374 points, or 0.48 percent, to end at 78,954.76. The Nifty 50 edged up 11.35 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 24,636.

Reliance Industries, State Bank of India, and Bharat Electronics were among the leading Nifty gainers, providing support for the benchmark indices. Trading in the broader market was mixed, with midcap stocks falling 0.44 percent as investors booked profits.

The lower crude oil prices improved sentiment because India imports most of its energy needs. Analysts said a decline in oil prices can reduce the country's import bill and ease inflationary pressure.