Gains in IT equities and new foreign inflows fuel market optimism for the second day

Benchmark equity indices closed higher on Thursday, as confidence improved amid fresh foreign inflows and buying in IT stocks.

Softer-than-expected US inflation data and falling bond yields have boosted equity prices.

The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 306.55 points or 0.47 percent to 65,982.48. During the day, it increased by 682.44 points or 1 percent to 66,358.37.

The Nifty advanced 89.75 points or 0.46 percent to 19,765.20.

Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, NTPC, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Bajaj Finserv were among the major gainers on the Sensex.

The major laggards were Axis Bank, Power Grid, ITC, and ICICI Bank.

In Asian markets, Seoul finished higher, while Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong finished lower.

Markets in Europe were trading on a mixed note.

On Wednesday, the US markets concluded in green.

Brent crude slipped 0.54 percent to $80.74 per barrel.

According to exchange data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) acquired securities worth Rs 550.19 crore on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the BSE index soared 742.06 points or 1.14 percent to 65,675.93. The Nifty advanced 231.90 points or 1.19 percent to 19,675.45.

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