The BSE Sensex rose 149 points, or 0.2%, to 84,615 in morning trade on Thursday, holding at a two-week high and extending gains for a fourth consecutive session. Sentiment was lifted by the end of the US government shutdown and optimism over US-India trade deals. Easing domestic inflation in October to a record low also boosted market mood, raising hopes of an interest rate cut at the RBI’s upcoming meeting. However, gains were capped as traders awaited Friday's election results for the politically significant northern Indian state of Bihar, which could have implications for policy continuity. Metals, banking, and realty stocks mainly supported the broader index, while losses in tech and auto shares limited advances. Tata Steel gained 2.1% after posting a 27% jump in consolidated profit, while Asian Paints rose 2.8% after reporting a 43% surge in consolidated net profit. By contrast, Tata Motors fell 0.3% ahead of its earnings report.