India, April 11 -- Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged over 1 per cent on Friday, propelled by buying in banking counters and a positive trend in global equities. Investor sentiment improved amid hopes of further easing in the West Asia crisis ahead of US-Iran negotiations and lower crude prices, analysts said.

After staying in the positive territory throughout the day, the 30-share BSE Sensex later jumped 918.60 points or 1.20 per cent to settle at 77,550.25. During the day, it surged 990.85 points or 1.29 per cent to 77,622.50. The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 275.50 points or 1.16 per cent to end at 24,050.60.

The positive trend was led by buying in banking, auto and financial stocks, while IT counters saw some profi...