Sensex, explained
The Sensex is the BSE’s benchmark index of 30 large, established Indian companies across sectors. Launched in 1986, it’s India’s oldest stock index and the number most people mean when they say “the market is up.”
How the Sensex is calculated
The Sensex is a free-float market-cap-weighted index — bigger companies (by freely tradable market cap) move it more. It’s quoted in points; a move from 80,000 to 80,800 is a 1% gain.
Sensex vs Nifty
The Sensex tracks 30 BSE companies; the Nifty 50 tracks 50 NSE companies. Both move broadly together and represent the large-cap market — the Nifty is simply broader.
How to invest in the Sensex
You can’t buy an index directly, but you can track it through Sensex ETFs, index mutual funds, or by buying its constituent stocks — all from one free account on ROAR.
Frequently asked questions
How many companies are in the Sensex?
The Sensex is made up of 30 large, established companies listed on the BSE, across sectors.
What is the difference between Sensex and Nifty?
The Sensex tracks 30 BSE companies; the Nifty 50 tracks 50 NSE companies. Both represent the large-cap market and usually move together.