New Delhi, Nov. 5 -- Indian stocks extended their bull run for the sixth consecutive session in Thursday's trade, driving the benchmark indices to their biggest single-day gains in seven months, as a sharp fall in crude oil prices eased inflation concerns and pressure on the external finances of the oil-importing nation.

The Sensex closed at 79,310, up 2,008 points, or 2.60%, from its previous close of 77,301. The Nifty settled at 24,536, gaining 576 points, or 2.40%, from its Wednesday's close of 23,960.60.

Similar gains in both indices were last recorded in April. The broader markets also participated in the rally, with the Nifty Midcap 100 index surging 2%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index advanced 0.60%.

Among sectoral indices, t...