Benchmark equity indices extended their morning gains in afternoon trade on Friday, with the BSE Sensex rising 492.13 points or 0.58 per cent to ₹85,680.73 and the NSE Nifty advancing 161.05 points or 0.62 per cent to 26,307.60 as of 12.40 pm. The Sensex opened at ₹85,259.36 against its previous close of ₹85,188.60, while the Nifty opened at 26,155.10, marginally up from it’s previous close of 26,146.55.
Market breadth remained positive on the BSE, with 2,602 stocks advancing against 1,393 declines and 185 unchanged among 4,180 stocks traded. A total of 150 stocks hit 52-week highs compared to 66 touching 52-week lows, while 165 stocks locked in upper circuit limits and 110 in lower circuits.
emerged as the top gainer on the Nifty50, surging 5.88 per cent to ₹424.00, followed by at ₹348.15, up 3.52 per cent. climbed 2.75 per cent to ₹4,415.70, while gained 2.44 per cent to ₹916.75. rose 1.98 per cent to ₹301.55.
remained the biggest laggard, declining 3.89 per cent to ₹349.70 amid continued pressure from higher cigarette excise duty announced in the Union Budget. fell 0.95 per cent to ₹1,282.70, while shed 0.40 per cent to ₹2,102.00. dropped 0.38 per cent to ₹1,015.85, and eased 0.33 per cent to ₹1,249.30.
displayed clear outperformance, breaching the psychological 60,000 mark to settle at 60,103.10, up 391.55 points or 0.66 per cent, signalling improved near-term momentum in banking stocks. The Nifty Financial Services index rose 0.89 per cent to 27,912.85, while the Nifty Next 50 gained 0.81 per cent to 70,241.20.
Mid and smallcap indices also participated in the rally, with the Nifty Midcap 100 advancing 0.85 per cent to 61,264.30 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 rising 0.62 per cent to 17,814.20.
Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said the Nifty is trading near the upper end of its short-term consolidation range, keeping the 26,200–26,300 resistance zone in focus. He said a sustained move above 26,250 is essential to confirm fresh strength, while 26,100–26,050 continues to act as strong support.