Indian markets closed higher for the fifth consecutive session, with Sensex up 557.45 points at 76,905.51 and Nifty rising 159.75 points to 23,350.40. Broader markets outperformed, with midcap and smallcap indices gaining 1.

The stock market fell into the red as the trading session began on Friday, March 21, ending the four-day rally of opening in green. IT, mid and small cap telecom, and consumer durables stocks fell the most.

On Friday, March 21, the 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex gained 557.45 points or 0.73 per cent to close at 76905.51. The NSE Nifty went up by 159.75 points or 0.69 per cent to close at 23350.40.