Domestic stock markets soared to record highs on Friday led by a surge in ONGC on the back of higher crude prices, with sentiment also supported by optimism over COVID-19 vaccines. The S&P BSE Sensex index jumped 349.75 points, or 0.76 per cent, to touch 46,309.63 during the session, and the broader NSE Nifty 50 benchmark rose as much as 101.05 points, or 0.75 per cent, to touch 13,579.35 both all-time highs. Both indices briefly turned negative in late afternoon deals amid selling pressure in IT and pharmaceutical shares, but returned to the positive territory.
Stock Market Updates: Losses in financial and IT shares pulled the markets lower. Domestic stock markets halted a record-breaking spree on Thursday, with the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex index taking a breather following a five-day surge which took it past the 46,000 mark for the first time ever. The Sensex index fell 417.63 points, or 0.91 per cent, to 45,685.87 at the weakest level during the session, and the broader NSE Nifty 50 benchmark slid to as low as 13,399.30, down 129.8 points, or 0.96 per cent, from its previous close. Losses in banking and financial services shares weighed on the markets, however sharp gains in consumer goods counters arrested the fall.