The SENSEX is India's most iconic stock market index, comprising 30 of the largest and most traded companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Key Facts
- Base year: 1978-79 (base value 100)
- Components: 30 companies
- Methodology: Free-float market cap weighted
- Exchange: BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange)
Major Components
Reliance Industries, TCS, HDFC Bank, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel
SENSEX vs Nifty 50
Both track Indian large-caps but:
- SENSEX: 30 stocks, BSE, older (1986)
- Nifty 50: 50 stocks, NSE, more diversified
Most investors track both, but Nifty 50 has become more popular for derivatives trading.
Historical Performance
SENSEX has been one of the world's best-performing indices over 20+ years, driven by India's economic growth, young demographics, and tech sector expansion.