SENSEX - The Thermometer of Indian Capital Markets

SENSEX, first compiled in 1986, was calculated on a "Market Capitalization-Weighted" methodology of 30 component stocks on behalf of large, well-established and money-wise sound companies across key sectors. The base year of SENSEX was taken as 1978-1979. SENSEX today is widely reported in both domestic and international markets through print as well as electronic media. It is scientifically designed and is based on internationally accepted construction and evaluation methodology. Since September 1, 2003, SENSEX is being calculated on a free-float market capitalization methodology. The "free-float market capitalization-weighted" methodology is a widely followed index assembly methodology on which greater part of global equity indices are based; all major index providers like MSCI, FTSE, STOXX, S&P and Dow Jones use the free-float methodology.The expansion of the equity market in India has been extraordinary in the present decade. Right from early 90s, the stock market witnessed heightened activity in terms of various bull and bear runs. In the late 90s, the Indian market witnessed a enormous fury in the 'TMT' sectors. More recently, real estate fixed the fancy of the investors. SENSEX has captured all these happenings in the most judicious manner. One can recognize the booms and busts of the Indian equity market through SENSEX. As the oldest index in the country, it provides the time series data over a fairly long period of time (from 1979 onwards). now, the SENSEX has become one of the most prominent brands in the country.