Sensex Extends Gains To Fifth Day, Nifty Settles Near 10,350

Indian stock markets closed Wednesday's session higher, extending gains to fifth session in a row. The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark index Sensex closed 83 points higher at 33,561 - a two-week high - and the NSE Nifty added 15 points to 10,342 on Wednesday.

Moody's last week upgraded India's sovereign credit rating by a notch to 'Baa2'.

Including today's gains, the BSE Sensex has gained 801 points since November 15, when the 30-scrip index had settled at 32,760. Wednesday also marked the highest closing level for the BSE Sensex since November 6, when it had settled at 33,731.19.

Among top Nifty gainers today were Adani Ports, GAIL India, UltraTech Cement, Ambuja Cements, SBI and HDFC - closing with gains between 1.4 per cent and 3.4 per cent. 23 stocks on the 50-scrip NSE Nifty ended the session with gains.

However, the gains were capped by losses in metal and healthcare counters. Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Infratel, Aurobindo Pharma and Hindalco Industries shares were among the top Nifty 50 losers - closing between 1.4 per cent and 2.3 per cent lower.

Sentiment was bolstered by positive global cues, with Hong Kong stocks breaking the 30,000-barrier for the first time in 10 years as Asian markets extended a global rally following another record close on the Wall Street overnight amid rising corporate earnings.

(With agency inputs)