Big gains in RIL and HDFC Bk push sensex closer to record high – The Times of India

MUMBAI: Strong gains by index heavyweights Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank on Thursday pushed sensex within half a percentage point of its all-time high of 85,978 points recorded almost 14 months ago. Sensex ended the session 446 points ahead at 85,633 points, its fourth straight day of gains. At the end of Thursday, while Sensex was 345 points away from its all-time high, convenientwith 26,192 points, was 85 points away from that mark.“A breakout above 26,277 remains the next major trigger that could open the way to 26,350-26,500 and higher,” market watchers said.Analysts said Indian shares rose on optimism around India-US trade talks and progress on phase-1 deals, boosting overall market sentiment. “Global cues also remained strong, led by tech-driven gains after solid gains, with fresh FII inflows and strength in large-cap sectors such as auto, financials and IT supporting the bullish trend,” experts said.On sensex, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv and Tech Mahindra were the biggest gainers, while Asian Paints, Titan and HCLTech were the biggest laggards. A similar trend was seen on NSE, where Eicher Motors, Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv led the gains, and Asian Paints, Titan and HCLTech trailed the index. Among the sectors, Nifty Financial Services came out on top. Meanwhile, the Nifty Media and PSU Bank indices ended among the top laggards.