Sensex rises 0.54% and Nifty gains 0.51% in early trade as oil prices retreat

Indian equities opened higher, with the Sensex up 0.54% and the Nifty adding 0.51%, as most sectors advanced led by IT, oil services and consumer-related stocks. Crude prices fell sharply, with Brent down 2% to $78.74 a barrel and WTI down 3% to $74.98. Market sentiment improved on expectations of easing geopolitical risks in West Asia, alongside a firmer rupee and slowing foreign outflows.