Benchmark Indices Log Third Straight Weekly Advances

Sensex rises over 1,200 points, Nifty gains more than 300 points

- KISHOR KADAM

THE BENCHMARK EQUITY indices extended their winning streak for the third consecutive week, buoyed by optimism over a potential early bilateral trade deal between India and the U.S. The Sensex climbed 1,289.46 points, or 1.63%, during the week to close at 80,501.99, marking its first weekly close above the 80,000-level since December 13. The Nifty advanced 307.35 points, or 1.28%, to end at 24,346.70.

In the holiday-shortened week, most of the gains came on Monday, when the Sensex surged 1,005.84 points (1.27%) and the Nifty gained 289.15 points (1.20%). On Tuesday and Wednesday, the indices traded flat, while Thursday was a holiday. On Friday, after a volatile session, the Sensex rose 259.75 points (0.32%) and the Nifty added 12.50 points (0.05%).