New Delhi, 25 March (H.S.):

Domestic stock markets stormed ahead Wednesday for the second straight session fueled by signals of easing tensions between the US Israel and Iran sparking relentless buying that propelled Sensex and Nifty to sharp gains despite late profit-taking.

Both benchmarks opened strong with bulls dominating as indices climbed steadily through midday peaking near record highs before a 2 pm profit booking trimmed some shine. Sensex settled 1.63% higher at 75273.45 up 1205 points while Nifty ended 1.72% firmer at 23306.45 a 394-point leap.

Every sectoral index flashed green led by consumer durables soaring 3.28% with metals healthcare capital goods autos and banks jumping over 2%. IT FMCG oil gas PSE and tech also closed firm while midcap and smallcap indices rocketed 2.30% and 2.59% respectively.

The rally fattened investor wealth by Rs 8.24 lakh crore lifting BSE market cap to Rs 431.02 lakh crore from Rs 422.78 lakh crore Tuesday. BSE saw 4472 stocks traded with 2949 advancing 1357 declining and 156 flat NSE had 3010 active with 2313 gainers against 697 losers Sensex's 30 stocks posted 26 winners 4 laggards same for Nifty's 50.

Sensex opened at 74652.01 up 583.56 points roared to 75849.76 a 1781-point intraday high past noon then shed over 575 points from peak amid selling pressure. Nifty kicked off at 23064.40 up 152 points hit 23465.35 a 552-point surge before slipping 155 points from top.

Top gainers included Shriram Finance 5.80% UltraTech Cement 4.09% Bajaj Finance 3.98% Grasim Industries 3.86% and Adani Enterprises 3.78% while Tech Mahindra 1.69% Power Grid 1.34% TCS 0.89% and BEL 0.24% led losers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar