Mumbai, Aug. 20 -- The benchmark indices extended their uptrend and hit fresh intraday highs in afternoon trade supported by positive global cues, a stronger rupee and short covering after the recent seven-session losing streak. The expiry of weekly Sensex derivatives contracts on the BSE also kept traders active, with position adjustments and rollover-related activity likely to influence intraday volatility. The Nifty hovered near the 24,250 level. IT, FMCG and financials advanced while healthcare, oil & gas and chemicals lagged behind.

At 13:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, jumped 644 points or 0.84% to 77,553.68. The Nifty 50 index rose 166.95 points or 0.69% to 24,245.25.

In the broader market, the BSE 150 MidCap Ind...