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Are you curious about the stock market and how it impacts the Indian economy? Have you heard the term “Sensex” thrown around in financial discussions, but aren’t sure what is Sensex? Fear not, because in this blog post, we’re going to explain what is Sensex and how it works.
At its core, Sensex is a stock market index. What is the Sensex full form? It is an abbreviation for the Sensitive Index. It represents the performance of the top 30 Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) companies. So, people talk about the Sensex, they’re essentially referring to the overall performance of these 30 companies.
The performance of these top 30 companies can have a significant impact on the Indian economy as a whole. When the Sensex is up, it’s often seen as a sign of a strong and growing economy, which can lead to increased investor confidence and foreign investment.
To give you an idea of just how much of an impact Sensex can have, consider this: During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Sensex fell by over 38% in just a few weeks. This had a major impact on the Indian economy, as businesses struggled and many people lost their jobs.
Understanding what is Sensex and how it works is crucial to gaining a better understanding of the Indian economy and the stock market as a whole.
So, let’s jump in and learn more about Sensex!.
What is Sensex
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Sensex and understand what it is all about.
What is Sensex exactly? The Sensex is a stock market index that tracks the performance of the top 30 companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). It is a weighted index, meaning that the stocks with a higher market capitalization have a greater influence on the index’s movement.
Now, let’s talk about how is Sensex calculated. The Sensex was previously calculated using the weighted market capitalization method. However, the BSE Sensex value has been calculated using the Free Float Market Capitalization method since September 2003.
The following are the key steps in its calculation:
Step 1: Selection of 30 stocks that form the index based on market capitalization and trading volume.
Step 2: The market capitalization of each company is determined by multiplying the share price by the number of outstanding shares.
Market capitalization = Share price per share * Number of shares issued by the company
Step 3: Calculation of the free float market capitalization of each company by multiplying the market capitalization by the free float factor.
FreeFloat Market Capitalization = Market Capitalization * FreeFloat Factor.
The free float factor represents the total number of shares issued by a company that is available to trade for the common public. Shares that are not available to the public, such as those issued to the promoters or the government, are not included in this factor.
Step 4: Calculation of the total free float market capitalization by summing up the free float market capitalization of all 30 companies.
Step 5: Calculation of the BSE Sensex value using the below formula:
Value of Sensex = (Total free-float market capitalization / Base market capitalization) * Base period index value.
The base period used here is 1978-79. The base value is 100 index points.
Now that you know the calculation part, let’s talk about what is Sensex’s significance. The Sensex is often used as a measure of the Indian stock market’s overall performance, and many investors use it as a benchmark to track the growth or decline of their portfolios.
Additionally, the Sensex is a useful tool for economists, policymakers, and financial analysts who want to assess the health of the Indian economy.
Factors Affecting the Sensex
Now that you know what is Sensex and how it works let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that can affect its performance. There are a lot of economic and political factors that can impact the Sensex, as well as global trends and events that can have a ripple effect on the Indian economy. Let’s explore some of these factors in more detail.
1. GDP Growth Rate:
The Sensex is highly sensitive to the country’s GDP growth rate. A higher growth rate is usually indicative of a healthy economy and encourages investor confidence, which results in an upward trend for Sensex. Conversely, a lower GDP growth rate can have a negative impact on the stock market.
2. Inflation Rate:
A higher inflation rate can lead to an increase in interest rates, which can negatively affect the Sensex. Higher interest rates make it more expensive for companies to borrow money, which can result in lower earnings and a decrease in the stock market.
3. Government Policies:
Changes in government policies can have a significant impact on the Sensex. For instance, economic reforms such as demonetization, GST, and FDI policies have influenced the Sensex in the past.
4. Global Economic Conditions:
The Sensex is also influenced by global economic conditions such as the global oil prices, FDI, and the value of the Indian rupee in comparison to other currencies. Any change in these factors can have an impact on the Sensex.Global Economic Conditions: The Sensex is also influenced by global economic conditions such as the global oil prices, FDI, and the value of the Indian rupee in comparison to other currencies. Any change in these factors can have an impact on the Sensex.
5. Fiscal Deficit:
A high fiscal deficit, which refers to the difference between government expenditures and revenues, can negatively impact the Sensex. This is because a high fiscal deficit can lead to an increase in government borrowing, which in turn can result in a higher interest rate and a decrease in the stock market.
Overall, the Sensex is affected by a range of economic and political factors, as well as global events. Understanding these factors can help investors make informed decisions when trading in the stock market.
How to invest in Sensex in 2023
Now that you know what is BSE Sensex and how it works, you might be wondering how you can invest in it. Luckily, investing in Sensex is fairly easy and can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to get you started.
- Get a PAN card: You need a Permanent Account Number (PAN) to invest in the Indian stock market.
- Open a Demat account: A Demat account is a digital account that holds your securities, including stocks and bonds. A Demat account must be opened with a broker.
- Choose a broker: You can choose a broker that suits your needs and preferences. The broker should be a registered member of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) or the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
- Fund your account: After opening your Demat account, you need to transfer funds to your brokerage account. You can transfer funds through net banking, UPI, or any other payment gateway.
- Place an order: Once your brokerage account is funded, you can place an order for buying Sensex stocks. You can place an order through your broker’s online trading platform or by calling your broker.
It’s important to remember that investing in the stock market always carries some level of risk, so it’s essential to do your research and make informed investment decisions.
Historical Performance of Sensex
If you’re interested in investing in Sensex, it’s important to have a good understanding of what is Sensex’s historical performance. By looking at past trends and patterns, you can get a better idea of how the stock market works and make more informed investment decisions.
So, let’s take a closer look at the historical performance of Sensex.
| Year | Sensex Annual Return |
| 1979 | – |
| 1980 | 29% |
| 1981 | 34% |
| 1982 | 26% |
| 1983 | -3% |
| 1984 | 16% |
| 1985 | 44% |
| 1986 | 62% |
| 1987 | -11% |
| 1988 | -22% |
| 1989 | 79% |
| 1990 | 9% |
| 1991 | 50% |
| 1992 | 267% |
| 1993 | -47% |
| 1994 | 66% |
| 1995 | -14% |
| 1996 | 3% |
| 1997 | 0% |
| 1998 | 16% |
| 1999 | -4% |
| 2000 | 34% |
| 2001 | -28% |
| 2002 | -4% |
| 2003 | -12% |
| 2004 | 83% |
| 2005 | 16% |
| 2006 | 74% |
| 2007 | 16% |
| 2008 | 20% |
| 2009 | -38% |
| 2010 | 81% |
| 2011 | 11% |
| 2012 | -10% |
| 2013 | 8% |
| 2014 | 19% |
| 2015 | 25% |
| 2016 | -9% |
| 2017 | 17% |
| 2018 | 11% |
| 2019 | 17% |
| 2020 | -24% |
| 2021 | 68% |
| 2022 | 18% |
| 2023 | 1% |
About the above chart, the following observations can be made:
- Over the years, Sensex has gone through many ups and downs. There have been times when it has reached new heights, and times when it has plummeted.
- However, despite these fluctuations, Sensex has shown a consistent upward trend over the long term.
- One of the major milestones in the history of Sensex was in 1992 when it crossed the 1,000-point mark for the first time.
- This was followed by many other major milestones, such as crossing the 10,000-point mark in 2006, the 20,000-point mark in 2007, and the 50,000-point mark in 2021.
There have also been many events that have had a significant impact on the performance of Sensex. For example,
- The economic reforms of the early 1990s led to a period of rapid growth and development in India, which in turn had a positive impact on the stock market.
- Similarly, changes in government policies and economic conditions can have a significant impact on Sensex and other stock indices.
Overall, the historical trends and patterns of Sensex show that it has consistently performed well in the long run, despite occasional setbacks. The impact of economic reforms and policy changes can also be seen in its performance over the years.
Prospects for the Sensex
When it comes to the Sensex, there are a lot of factors that could potentially impact its performance in the coming years.
1. Growth potential:
.Despite the ongoing pandemic and market fluctuations, the BSE Sensex has shown remarkable resilience and continues to grow steadily. The Indian economy is also expected to recover, which could lead to further growth in the stock market.
2. Tech-driven advancements:
With the rapid advancements in technology, the BSE Sensex foundation is expected to leverage the latest technological innovations to make stock trading faster, more efficient, and accessible to a wider range of investors.
3. Increasing foreign investments:
India has become an attractive investment destination for foreign investors due to its strong economic fundamentals, political stability, and large market size. As more foreign investments flow in, the BSE Sensex is likely to experience further growth.
4. Government initiatives:
The Indian government has taken several initiatives to boost the country’s economy, such as the ‘Make in India’ campaign and the push for digitalization. These initiatives could lead to an increase in investments and drive growth in the BSE Sensex.
5. Rising middle class:
As the Indian middle class grows, there is likely to be an increase in consumer spending, which could lead to a surge in demand for stocks. This trend could drive the BSE Sensex to new heights.
However, there are also potential challenges and risks, such as global economic uncertainties, inflation, changes in government policies, and geopolitical tensions, that could impact the BSE Sensex foundation in the future.
Nonetheless, with its strong fundamentals and future potential, the BSE Sensex remains an attractive investment option for investors looking to enter the Indian stock market.
Also Read: Is Finance a Good Career Path for 2023
Understanding Sensex for Better Investment Decisions
Overall, the Sensex is a useful tool for investors and analysts to track the performance of Indian markets. By keeping an eye on economic and political factors, global trends, and upcoming policy changes, one can make informed investment decisions in the stock market.
As India continues to grow and evolve as a major global economy, sunsex will likely continue to play a crucial role in tracking the performance of the Indian markets. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a beginner, understanding the Sensex is an important step toward making smart investment decisions.
So, next time you hear someone ask “What is Sensex?” ” You can confidently explain its significance and meaning.”. Keep an eye on the Sensex, and who knows, you might just be able to spot the next big trend in the Indian stock market!
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Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)
Sensex, short for the Sensitive Index, is the benchmark index of the Indian stock market. It represents the overall performance of the top 30 listed companies across various sectors in India. It is calculated based on the stock prices of these companies and reflects the health of the Indian economy and financial markets.
The Sensex and Nifty are India’s primary stock market indices. Sensex represents the top 30 companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), while Nifty represents the top 50 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Both indices are used as benchmarks to track the overall performance of the Indian stock market.
Sensex is an abbreviation for the Sensitive Index, which is a benchmark stock market index of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). It consists of 30 of the largest and most actively traded stocks on the BSE. It is used to measure the overall performance of the Indian stock market.
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) performance is reflected in the Sensex, a stock market index. It is based on the market capitalization of the top 30 BSE-listed companies. The formula for calculating the Sensex is –
(total free-float market capitalization/ Base market capitalization) * Base index value.
The base year used is 1978-79 and the base value is 100.
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