New Delhi, June 16 (HS): Domestic equity markets closed higher for the third consecutive trading session on Tuesday, supported by positive global cues following reports of a US-Iran understanding and easing crude oil prices in the international market.
The benchmark indices ended the day with healthy gains after sustained buying during the second half of the session. The BSE Sensex rose 544.15 points, or 0.71 per cent, to close at 76,808.48, while the NSE Nifty gained 135.25 points, or 0.57 per cent, to settle at 23,989.15.
Buying interest was seen in information technology, consumer durables, energy and media stocks. FMCG, realty, banking, capital goods, oil and gas, public sector enterprises and technology shares also ended in positive territory. However, metal, pharmaceutical and automobile stocks witnessed selling pressure.
The broader market also remained firm. The Nifty Midcap Index closed 0.41 per cent higher, while the Smallcap Index advanced 0.42 per cent.
The rally added approximately Rs 2.71 lakh crore to investors' wealth. The market capitalisation of companies listed on the BSE increased to Rs 472.26 lakh crore from Rs 469.55 lakh crore in the previous session.
On the BSE, 2,368 stocks advanced, 1,886 declined and 153 remained unchanged. On the NSE, 1,732 shares closed higher, while 1,275 ended lower.
Among Sensex and Nifty constituents, HCL Technologies, Tata Consumer Products, NTPC, Bajaj Finserv and Hindustan Unilever were among the major gainers. Hindalco Industries, JSW Steel, HDFC Life, Apollo Hospitals and Eicher Motors figured among the major losers.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
