Banking Stocks Drive Market Rally as Sensex, Nifty Climb

Indian equities extended gains midday Tuesday, with the Sensex rising 0.46% to 82,162.41 and the Nifty 50 advancing 0.45% to 25,182.15. Banking heavyweights led the charge, showcasing robust sectoral momentum.

Kotak Mahindra Bank surged 2.54% to lead Nifty gainers, followed by Larsen & Toubro's 2.19% climb. Axis Bank and Eicher Motors contributed to the financial sector's strength with 1.69% and 1.39% gains respectively. Market breadth remained positive with 2,442 advancing stocks against 1,597 declines on the BSE.

While financials dominated trading activity, select consumption stocks faced pressure. Shriram Finance fell 1.33%, with HDFC Life Insurance and Tata Motors also retreating. The session saw 142 stocks hit 52-week highs versus 45 touching lows, reflecting continued investor confidence in the banking-led rally.