Sensex gains 316 points, Nifty at 25,342 as crude oil dips 1%
Synopsis
Indian benchmarks shrugged off a soft open to trade firmly higher on 12 November, powered by a 1-per-cent drop in crude oil and a dramatic FII pivot — from net sellers to buyers pumping ₹65,735 crore into Indian equities this month alone. With the Nifty already up 9.55 per cent in seven November sessions and October CPI data due today, the next few hours could set the tone for the rally's next leg.
Key Takeaways
Sensex hit an intraday high of 82,057.39 , up 316 points (0.38%) , on 12 November .
Nifty50 gained 86 points (0.34%) to trade at 25,342 .
Nifty IT was the biggest drag, falling over 1 per cent ; Nifty PSU Bank was the top gainer at +0.23% .
FIIs have invested ₹65,735 crore in Indian equities so far in November , fuelling a 9.55% Nifty rally in seven sessions.
Brent crude fell over 1% to $91.51/barrel ; WTI slipped to $85.41/barrel .
India's October CPI inflation data is the key market event to watch on Thursday .
The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 traded higher in early deals on Thursday, 12 November, lifted by a decline of over 1 per cent in global crude oil prices. The Sensex touched an intraday high of 82,057.39, gaining 316 points or 0.38 per cent, while the Nifty50 climbed 86 points or 0.34 per cent to 25,342 in morning trade.
Opening Weakness, Then a Reversal
Both headline indices had opened on a cautious note, tracking mixed sentiment across Asian markets. The early weakness gave way as falling crude prices improved the macro outlook and foreign buying gathered pace. This reversal underscores the sensitivity of domestic benchmarks to global commodity signals, particularly oil — a key input cost for India's import-heavy economy.
Sectoral Snapshot: IT Drags, PSU Banks Gain
Nifty IT was the session's biggest drag, slipping over 1 per cent. Nifty Auto and Nifty Healthcare also declined by nearly 1 per cent each. On the other side, Nifty PSU Bank rose 0.23 per cent, Nifty Media added 0.2 per cent, and Nifty Consumer Durables edged up 0.14 per cent.
FIIs vs DIIs: The New Market Dynamic
According to market experts, the Nifty's rally of 9.55 per cent across seven trading sessions in November so far has been driven primarily by aggressive buying from foreign institutional investors (FIIs). 'The tug of war between FIIs and domestic institutional investors (DIIs) till November saw FIIs on the sell side and DIIs on the buy side,' experts noted. That dynamic has now fully reversed — FIIs have turned aggressive buyers while DIIs have shifted to consistent sellers. FIIs have already deployed ₹65,735 crore in Indian equities in November alone. Experts suggest this trend 'has the potential to reach an all-time high number,' supported by 'impressive earnings growth as evidenced by good Q2 results.' They cautioned, however, that 'DIIs may continue profit booking, putting brakes on the rally.'
Crude Prices and Global Cues
Brent crude traded more than 1 per cent lower at $91.51 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped nearly 1 per cent to $85.41 per barrel. Asian markets were mixed, with investors cautious amid fresh volatility around Nvidia, the chipmaker central to this year's AI-driven rally. Overnight, US markets closed higher on Wednesday after concerns over heavy artificial intelligence spending eased.
Key Data Point to Watch
Market participants will closely track India's October CPI inflation data due later on Thursday. A benign print could reinforce the bullish narrative, while a surprise on the upside may temper enthusiasm. With macro relief from lower crude and strong FII inflows, the near-term market direction will hinge on this crucial data release.
Point of View
It usually signals a regime shift in risk appetite rather than a one-session blip. The ₹65,735 crore November inflow, if sustained, would rank among the largest monthly FII injections on record. Yet the IT drag is a quiet warning: global AI spending jitters and Nvidia volatility can quickly undercut the same foreign flows that are lifting the broader market. The October CPI print due today is the swing factor — a soft reading validates the rally; an upside surprise could hand DIIs their next profit-booking trigger.
NationPress
12 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Sensex and Nifty rising on 12 November 2026?
Sensex and Nifty are trading higher primarily because global crude oil prices fell over 1 per cent, easing India's import cost outlook and lifting risk sentiment. Strong FII buying, with ₹65,735 crore deployed in Indian equities so far in November, is also a key driver.
How much have FIIs invested in Indian markets in November 2026?
Foreign institutional investors have invested ₹65,735 crore in Indian equities in November 2026 up to 12 November. Market experts say this trend could potentially push monthly FII inflows to an all-time high.
Which sectors are falling despite the broader market rally?
Nifty IT is the biggest drag, declining over 1 per cent, with Nifty Auto and Nifty Healthcare also falling by nearly 1 per cent each. The IT weakness is linked to global concerns over AI spending volatility and mixed cues from US chipmakers.
What is the key data event for Indian markets on 12 November?
India's October CPI (consumer price index) inflation number is due on Thursday and is closely watched. A softer-than-expected reading would support the ongoing rally, while a higher print could prompt caution and profit-booking by domestic investors.
What is driving the Nifty's 9.55% gain in seven November sessions?
Market experts attribute the Nifty's 9.55 per cent rise in seven trading sessions in November to aggressive FII buying, strong Q2 corporate earnings, and macro relief from lower crude oil prices. DIIs have turned sellers, but FII inflows have more than offset that pressure so far.
