Mumbai, April 8 -- The headline equity benchmarks traded with strong gains, driven by a sharp decline in oil prices following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. Market sentiment was further lifted by a strengthening rupee, adding to the overall positive momentum, and was further supported by the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision. The MPC kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.25% in its first policy meeting of the financial year 2026-27, under Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

The Nifty traded above the 23,950 mark during the session, while realty stocks extended their rally for the fifth consecutive trading day.

At 11:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, climbed 2,891.25 points or 3.86% to 77,499...