On Thursday, 2049 stocks advanced, 1401 declined and 146 remained unchanged on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), with an advance decline ratio of 1.45, indicating a negative closing of stocks in broader markets. After a two-day pause, markets gained almost 0.5 percent, but momentum was suppressed by profit taking at the higher levels. Indian benchmark indices posted strong gains and touched new highs on widespread purchasing, while some Asian and European markets lingered in the red.