Equity benchmarks extended their winning streak for the third consecutive session on Thursday, led by strong performance in defense and PSU stocks ahead of the interim budget. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 226.85 points or 0.30 per cent to close at 76,759.81, while the broader NSE Nifty gained 86.40 points or 0.37 per cent to end at 23,249.50 in a volatile session marked by the monthly derivatives expiry.
Top Gainers
Bharti Airtel led the rally, surging 2.78 per cent to ₹1,644.00, driven by strong investor sentiment in the telecom sector. Power Grid followed closely, rising 2.59 per cent to ₹295.25 amid optimism in energy stocks.
Bajaj Finance added 1.82 per cent, closing at ₹7,899.30, while Nestlé India gained 1.73 per cent to ₹2,218.75. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) rounded off the top five gainers with a 1.51 per cent increase, ending at ₹2,970.30.
Top Losers
Tata Motors suffered the steepest loss of the day, tumbling 7.37 per cent to ₹697.00 amid profit booking and concerns over demand outlook. ITC Hotels followed with a 4.98 per cent decline, closing at ₹169.70.
Bajaj Finserv slipped 2.12 per cent to ₹1,751.50, while Adani Ports fell 1.86 per cent to ₹1,076.80. Zomato also ended lower, declining 1.66 per cent to ₹218.80.
The gains in the market were primarily driven by positive momentum in banking and PSU stocks, as investors anticipated key policy measures in the upcoming interim budget.