Sensex, officially known as the S&P BSE Sensex, is the stock market index for the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India. It is one of the oldest and most prominent indices, widely regarded as a barometer of the Indian stock market’s performance and the economy’s health.
Key Features of Sensex:
- Composition:
- Sensex comprises the 30 largest and most financially sound companies listed on the BSE.
- These companies represent various sectors of the economy and are chosen based on market capitalization, liquidity, and sectoral representation.
- Purpose:
- It provides a snapshot of the overall performance of the Indian stock market.
- Acts as a benchmark for mutual funds, portfolio managers, and investors.
- Base Year and Value:
- The base year for Sensex is 1978-79, and the base value is 100.
Companies in Sensex:
The 30 companies in Sensex are leaders in their respective industries. As of recent data, the list includes:
- Reliance Industries
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
- HDFC Bank
- Infosys
- ICICI Bank
- Hindustan Unilever (HUL)
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Bharti Airtel
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Mahindra & Mahindra
- ITC
- Maruti Suzuki
- HDFC Ltd (now merged with HDFC Bank)
- Asian Paints
- Axis Bank
- Bajaj Finance
- Bajaj Finserv
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
- NTPC
- UltraTech Cement
- Power Grid Corporation of India
- Tata Steel
- Titan Company
- Wipro
- Tech Mahindra
- Nestle India
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
- Adani Ports & SEZ
- IndusInd Bank
The list is periodically reviewed and updated based on the companies’ performance and market conditions.
How Sensex Works:
- Calculation:
- Sensex is calculated using the free-float market capitalization-weighted method.
- A company’s weight in the index depends on its free-float market capitalization (shares available for public trading).
- Formula: The value of Sensex is calculated as:
Sensex Value=Sum of Free-Float Market Capitalization of 30 CompaniesBase Market Capitalization×100\text{Sensex Value} = \frac{\text{Sum of Free-Float Market Capitalization of 30 Companies}}{\text{Base Market Capitalization}} \times 100Sensex Value=Base Market CapitalizationSum of Free-Float Market Capitalization of 30 Companies​×100
- Rebalancing:
- The index is reviewed semi-annually to ensure it reflects the top-performing companies.
- Representation:
- Sensex represents the combined performance of its 30 constituent stocks. When Sensex rises, it signals positive market sentiment, and when it falls, it indicates negative sentiment.
Benefits of Sensex:
- Market Indicator:
- Sensex serves as a barometer for the Indian stock market and reflects the economy’s health.
- Investment Benchmark:
- Used by mutual funds and portfolio managers to compare their performance.
- Diversification:
- Covers various sectors, offering a balanced view of market performance.
- Economic Gauge:
- The performance of Sensex often correlates with economic trends and investor sentiment.
Popular Usage:
- Investment Decisions:
- Sensex guides retail and institutional investors about market trends.
- Derivatives Trading:
- Futures and options contracts based on Sensex are traded, offering investment and hedging opportunities.
- Economic Analysis:
- Sensex is used by policymakers and analysts to assess the financial market’s state.