The benchmark BSE Sensex extended gains for the second consecutive day on Monday, by surging about 131.52 points on sustained buying by DIIs despite disappointing macro-economic data and uninterrupted foreign fund outflows. The NSE Nifty50 ended 40 points higher at 10,512.50, with 25 stocks advancing and 25 declining.  The Index rise was led by gains in Dr Reddy’s, Hindalco, Cipla, Infosys and Hindalco and ITC among others.

On the Sensex rally, Infosys, ITC, HDFC Bank Reliance Industries, TCS and Sun Pharma emerged were the top contributors. On the other hand, ICICI Bank, HUL, L&T, Mahindra and Mahindra and Axis Bank weighed on the index. Select IT, bank and FMCG stocks rose, while some heavyweights from the same sectors weakened, indicating stock-specific trading.

The domestic currency again breached the 74-mark against the USD to quote at 74.05 intraday, in the FX market. Brent crude oil was trading higher by 0.98%, to USD 81.79 per barrel.