Pharma shares Sun Pharma and Lupin led the pack on the NSE near the close on Thursday. At 3.20 pm Sun Pharma held gains of 3.35 per cent at Rs 1,040.05. The share had closed the previous session at Rs 1,006.30.

Lupin extended its rally to notch up gains of 2.81 per cent at Rs 1,837.40 as against Rs 1,787.25 at close yesterday.

FMCG player Hindustan Unilever held steady to keep gains of 2.58 per cent at Rs 939.75. The share had closed the previous session at Rs 916.10.

Banking shares HDFC Bank and Bank of Baroda also joined the uptrend in late session.

HDFC Bank was trading at Rs 1,088.10 as against Rs 1,065.30 at close yesterday. This was a gain of 2.14 per cent.

Bank of Baroda rode up 2.05 per cent at Rs 184.10. The share had ended the overnight session at Rs 180.40.