Sensex
An index tracking 30 large companies on BSE, weighted by the value of their tradable shares.
The Sensex is a stock market index of 30 large companies listed on BSE. It’s weighted by free-float market value, so the biggest, most traded companies count most. BSE set a base of 100 in April 1979, so a level in the tens of thousands means the basket has grown many times over. It usually moves in step with the Nifty 50.
Questions people ask
What is the Sensex?
The Sensex is a stock market index of 30 large companies listed on BSE. Like the Nifty 50, it is weighted by free-float market value, so bigger companies with more tradable shares move it more.
What does the Sensex level mean?
The level isn't a rupee price. BSE set a base of 100 on 3 April 1979, so the level shows how much the basket has grown since then.
Why do the Sensex and Nifty 50 move together?
Both track large Indian companies and share many of the same names, so on most days they move in the same direction by similar amounts. The Sensex has 30 companies and the Nifty 50 has 50.
One money lesson, in your inbox
A short, plain money lesson built from real news. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
We will never spam you or sell your details. How we handle your email