Nifty ends above 8,900 for the first time since Sept 8; Axis rallies 5%

Benchmark indices settled the day higher led by rally in index heavyweights like Axis Bank and Asian Paints. Consumer Durables, oil & gas, banking and finance stocks contributed to the gains.
 
Sensex rallied as much as 140 points while the broader Nifty50 index reclaimed its 8,900 levels for the first time since September 8, 2016.
 
The S&P BSE Sensex settled the day at 28,761, up 100 points, while the broader Nifty50 ended at 8,908, up 29 points.
 
In the broader markets, the BSE Midcap and the BSE Smallcap indices outperformed the frontline indices to rise 0.5% and