New Delhi, April 20 -- Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty 50 extended their rally on Friday, April 17 rising nearly 1% amid improving global sentiment driven by easing geopolitical tensions, softer crude oil prices, and renewed foreign fund inflows.

Optimism around a potential diplomatic resolution between the US and Iran, along with a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, boosted risk appetite across markets, according to analysts.

The Sensex gained 504.86 points, or 0.65%, to close at 78,493.54 after touching an intraday high of 78,553.45. Market breadth remained positive, with 3,043 stocks advancing, 1,284 declining, and 166 remaining unchanged on the BSE.

Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 rose 156.80 points, or 0.65%, to settle...