New Delhi, July 3 -- Stocks to buy for the short term: Domestic market benchmarks extended gains for the second consecutive session on Thursday amid a further decline in crude oil prices, progress in the US-Iran talks, and mixed global cues.

Nifty ended at 24,176, nearing the psychologically important 24,200 mark. The market witnessed across-segment buying, reflecting improving market sentiment.

Meanwhile, IT stocks posted solid gains on Thursday, with the index jumping nearly 5% on short covering after the recent fall.

Ajit Mishra, SVP of Research at Religare Broking, pointed out that the Nifty has reclaimed its medium-term moving average, the 100-day EMA, around 24,130, indicating an improvement in the overall bullish tone.

Mishra b...