New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- The key benchmark indices of the Indian stock market extended their bullish trajectory for the fifth consecutive session on Wednesday, August 20, buoyed by sustained investor optimism surrounding the Centre's anticipated rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. The Nifty 50 index opened on a muted note but gathered upward momentum in the latter half, registering an intraday high of 25,088 before settling at 25,050.55, marking a gain of 69 points or 0.28%. Market sentiment was further bolstered by expectations of GST reform announcements ahead of Diwali, alongside a thaw in India-China geopolitical tensions-both acting as key catalysts for the ongoing relief rally.

On the sectoral front, perform...