Markets power to historic highs?

Indian equity markets delivered a commanding performance on Friday, scaling fresh lifetime highs intraday before closing firmly higher, as sustained buying in banking, power and metal stocks reinforced confidence in the country's economic and earnings outlook.

- Palazhi Ashok Kumar

The advance reflected a market growing in conviction, even as investors remained measured and selective.

The benchmark 50-share NSE Nifty rose 182 points to end at 26,328.55, after climbing to a record intraday high of 26,340. The index's latest milestone underscored the strength of the ongoing uptrend, supported by domestic growth drivers and steady institutional participation.

The 30-share BSE Sensex surged 573.41 points to close at 85,762.01, after touching a high of 85,812.27 earlier in the session.

Heavyweight stocks led from the front. Power sector majors NTPC and Power Grid advanced strongly, reflecting confidence in long-term infrastructure spending and policy support.