Indian benchmark indices extended their rally for a third consecutive session on March 18, with the Nifty went past 23,850 mark, intraday, supported by broad-based buying across most sectors and positive global cues.


At close, the Sensex was up 633.29 points or 0.83 percent at 76,704.13, and the Nifty was up 196.65 points or 0.83 percent at 23,777.80.

Broader markets outperformed the benchmark indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices gaining 2 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.

The rupee has registered a sharp fall against the US dollar breaching the 92.50 mark for the first time, finishing at record closing low at 92.63.


Except FMCG and metal, all other sectoral indices ended higher with realty, IT, auto, media, capital goods, consumer durables, telecom, infra up 1-3%.

Biggest Nifty gainers were Jio Financial, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Eternal, M&M, while losers included Coal India, NTPC, HUL, Cipla and Sun Pharma.

In stock specific, Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions shares shed 3% post quartrly earnings, Wipro share price rose 1.5% on collaboration with AI software delivery platform company, Urban Company shares jumped 11% after SBI Mutual Fund picks additional stake, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries share price declined 5% as promoter will sell up to 5% stake.

Mankind Pharma share price rose 1.7% on acquiring Rivotril brand for India, Strides Pharma Science share price rose 3% on entering into agreements with Sandoz AG, Switzerland, Mafatlal Industries shares added 6% on bagging five-year order worth Rs 114 crore, Thomas Cook shares rallied more than 9% as board to consider corporate restructuring proposal, BEML shares rose 3% on securing overseas metro rolling stock order of USD 60 mn.

More than 200 stocks touched their 52-week low, including Gujarat State Petro, Cipla, Tata Chemicals, Gujarat Gas, Honeywell Automation, Procter and Gamble Hygiene and Health Care, C. E. Info Systems (MapmyIndia), among others.