Equities advanced for the fourth consecutive session led by buying in key frontline shares of Pharma, Energy and FMCG counters amid rebound in crudeoil prices and firm global cues as benchmark Nifty garnered 23.80 points to finish at 7,234.55.
The index mostly trading in range while staying in positive terrain was guided by stability in global markets following rise in crudeoil, though witnessed volatility due to F&O expiry this week as well as ahead Union Budget looming over the market sentiment.
Overseas, Asian stocks mostly ended higher led by Chinese stocks as investors welcomed news over the weekend that the head of the securities regulator was being replaced, while firm European opening on recovery in crude and other commodities well supported the domestic sentiment.
The broader, midcap and smallcap companies shares also witnessed good buying interest.
The 50-share Nifty opened flat at 7,208.85 and hovered between a high of 7,252.40 and a low of 7.200.70 before ending at 7,234.55, showing a gain of 23.80 points, or 0.33 per cent.
Major gainers were HUL 4.11 per cent, Bosch Ltd 3.04 per cent, Ultracemco 2.76 per cent, Zeel 2.36 per cent, SunPharma 2.11 per cent, Reliance 1.90 per cent and Axis Bank 1.18 per cent.
While notable losers were NTPC 2.16 per cent, TechM 2.00 per cent, Adani Ports 1.67 per cent, Maruti 1.63 per cent and ITC 1.54 per cent.
Turnover in cash segment fell to Rs 11,646.18 crore from Rs 12,602.03 crore last Friday.
A total of 6,065.36 lakh shares changed hands in 59,66,573 trades. The market capitalisation of NSE stood at Rs 87,36,660 crore.
