Festive cheer ahead of Diwali lifted Dalal Street on Thursday as strong Q2 earnings by heavyweights and supportive global cues propelled benchmarks to multi‑month highs.

The Nifty 50 briefly crossed the 25,600 mark for the first time since June 27 amid broad‑based buying before mild profit‑taking trimmed gains. The Sensex jumped 862.23 points, or 1.04%, to 83,467.66, while the Nifty 50 climbed 261.75 points, or 1.03%, to 25,585.30. Broader indices too ended firm, with the Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices up 0.46% and 0.24%, respectively.

Analysts said the rally was fueled by optimism over an earnings recovery and firm global cues. Solid performance by private banks and upbeat expectations from HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank boosted sentiment. Hopes of progress in US–India trade talks and poss

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