MUMBAI: Indian equity benchmarks traded sharply higher on Friday, mirroring gains in global markets despite fresh geopolitical tensions and concerns over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Sensex climbed as much as 0.82 per cent or 630 points to hit an intra-day high of 77261 in early trade, while Nifty surged 0.85 per cent or 203 points to trade at 23, 978.
Earlier, the 30-share Sensex opened at 77, 121, up 0.64 per cent or 489 points, while the 50-share index began the session at 23, 880, gaining 0.44 per cent or 100 points.
Sectorally, banking, realty, auto, energy and metal stocks emerged as top gainers, while the IT sector traded in negative territory. Infosys, Sun Pharma, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech and HUL were among the top losers.
According to analysts, the extent of the drawdown in equity markets does not appear significant relative to the sharp movement and shock seen in energy markets. This likely reflects expectations that energy prices may ease going forward.
"Our base case is that energy prices will gradually move lower over the next three to six months, " they said.