Stock market today, July 20 -- The Indian stock market closed sharply higher, driven by strong buying in index heavyweights ahead of the ongoing Q1 earnings season, on Friday.

The BSE Sensex surged 964.58 points, or 1.25%, to settle at 78,151.45, while the NSE Nifty 50 climbed 261.55 points, or 1.09%, to end at 24,334.30.

However, the market is likely to open lower as trends in the Gift Nifty index signalled a negative start on Monday, 20 July. Gift Nifty was trading near the 24,293 mark, down over 29 points from the previous close of Nifty futures.

"Indian equity markets are expected to open on a largely flat note, with GIFT Nifty trading around 24,345, marginally above Friday's Nifty close of 24,334, indicating a subdued start to the...