Markets face volatility ahead of Q4 earnings season, Lok Sabha elections

Twelve of the 19 sectoral sub-indices compiled by the BSE advanced on Thursday, led by a gauge of energy companies

The benchmark equity indices closed in the green after swinging between gains and losses, as the first phase of voting for national elections began on Thursday. Investors were cautious and now await company earnings to provide further direction to the market.

The Sensex rose 0.1 per cent to 38,607, after dropping as much as 0.3 per cent in early trade. The Nifty also added 0.11 per cent to close at 11,597. Roughly 900 million registered voters will cast their votes this week as India begins a marathon, six-week long general election. Asia’s top software exporters Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys will