Asian markets traded higher on Thursday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street.

US stock market ended mostly higher on Wednesday as investors remained focused on the recent increase in US-China trade tensions.

Here's a table showing how US stocks performed on Wednesday:

Source: Equitymaster

At present, the BSE Sensex is trading 379 points higher, and the NSE Nifty is trading 114 points higher.

Axis Bank, Titan Company, and M&M are among the top gainers today.

Sun Pharma, TCS, and Infosys, on the other hand, are among the top losers today.

The BSE Midcap index is trading 0.4% higher, and the BSE Smallcap index is trading 0.6% higher.

Sectoral indices are trading mixed today, with stocks in the oil & gas sector and the IT sector witnessing selling pressure. Meanwhile, stocks in the auto sector and the realty sector witnessed buying.

The rupee is trading at Rs 88.6 against the US dollar.
 

Axis Bank Q2 Results

Shares of Axis Bank came into focus after the bank reported its Q2 FY26 results.

The bank's reported gross non-performing assets (NPA) and net non-performing assets (NPA) were 1.46% and 0.44%, respectively, as of 30 September 2025, compared to 1.57% and 0.45% on June 30, 2025.

In Q2FY26, the lender's total revenue increased by 1% to Rs 375.9 billion (bn).

Axis Bank's net interest income rose 2% to Rs 137.4 bn, but net interest margins declined to 3.73% due to rate cuts.

At Rs 35.4 bn, the Mumbai-based lender's provisions and contingencies are up 61% from the previous year.

This was a 10% decrease from the June quarter, when the bank's provisions skyrocketed due to what it claimed was a one-time industry benchmarking exercise, causing it to miss profit projections.

The bank's overall capital adequacy stood at 16.55% as against 16.85% in the quarter-ago period.

Axis Bank's net profit declined 26% to Rs 50.9 bn due to higher provisions for bad loans.

The MD&CEO of Axis Bank, stated that the bank continues to innovate and deliver meaningful progress, focusing on digital safety, credit access, and empowering entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of building a responsible and agile bank that leads with purpose.
 

BEL Secures Major Defence Contract Deals

Shares of BEL came into focus after the company announced it had bagged fresh contracts, further strengthening its robust order pipeline.

These contracts have been secured since the company's last disclosure on 29 September 2025.

For the defence major, the new orders cover a wide range of verticals. The reports states that the new contracts include communication equipment, Combat Management Systems, Ship Data Networks, tank subsystems and overhauling, and other critical technologies that improve the military's operational capabilities.

Also, BEL has received orders for various products and services, including the Train Collision Avoidance System (Kavach), Laser Dazzlers, Jammers, upgrades, spares, and services, showcasing its strong presence in defence and non-defence sectors.
 

L&T Finance Q2 Results

Shares of L&T Finance came into focus after the company reported its Q2 FY26 results.

The retail loan book increased 18% to Rs 1,046.1 bn from Rs 889.7 bn a year earlier, while total assets under management (AUM) increased 15% year over year to Rs 1,070.9 bn.

98% of the portfolio was retailized, demonstrating the company's successful shift to a business model that is exclusively focused on retail.

Strong momentum across all product categories drove a 25% year-over-year increase in quarterly retail disbursements to Rs 188.8 bn.

L&T Finance Ltd.'s net profit rose 5.6% to Rs 7.3 bn in Q2 FY26, up from Rs 6.9 bn last year.

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