The benchmark domestic equity indices today extended their upward momentum for the sixth consecutive session to settle with gains of over one per cent each. The market sentiment was driven by a rally in the banking, financial services and realty sectors amid renewed optimism over a reversal in foreign fund outflows and bargain buying. The broader market indices at the BSE also logged gains.

The 30-share index at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, surged 1,079 points, or 1.4 per cent to close at 77,984. The National Stock Exchange Nifty-50 jumped 308 points, or 1.32 per cent to settle at 23,658. In the Forex market, the rupee today strengthened by 34 paise to close at 85 rupees and 64 paise against the US dollar.

In the Indian Bullion Market, 24-karat gold was trading at 88,130 rupees per 10 grams, while silver 999 fine was trading at 98,330 rupees per kilogram a short while ago. Brent Crude was trading at 72 dollars and 66 cents per barrel. WTI Crude was trading at 68 dollars and 81 cents per barrel when reports last came in.