Markets continue record-setting rally

The BSE Sensex rose to record highs for a fourth straight session on Thursday, as state-run lenders, including State Bank of India, extended recent gains on broker upgrades and on hopes of some easing at the central bank's policy review on Tuesday.

Higher rollovers on an absolute basis coupled with high roll cost during the expiry of March derivative contracts also lent support and indicates market participants are bullish for the April series, dealers added. Besides the Reserve Bank of India's policy review on April 1, where it is widely expected to keep rates unchanged, investors say the coming general elections would act as the next key catalyst for markets.

The Nifty rose as much as 1.1 percent to an all-time high of 6,673.95, while the Sensex gained 0.96 percent to a lifetime high of 22,307.74. The Sensex closed 0.54 per cent higher, while the Nifty ended up 0.61 per cent.