Explained: Why Sensex gained 521 points and Nifty closed above 24,400 today

The equity benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty ended higher for the fourth consecutive session on Monday (July 6), led by strong gains in banking heavyweights, strength in auto and realty stocks, and positive moves in select large-cap and mid-cap names.

The Sensex rose 521 points to close at 78,285, while the Nifty gained 160 points to settle at 24,430, ending near the day's high. The Nifty Bank advanced 353 points to 58,292, while the Midcap Index added 281 points to close at 62,472. Market breadth remained in favour of advances.

Here are the key reasons behind today's rally:1. HDFC Bank leads benchmark gains

HDFC Bank emerged as the top contributor to the Nifty's gains, with the stock rising 4% after its healthy first-quarter business update. ICICI Bank also contributed to the benchmark's advance.

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2. Reliance, M&M add to market strength

Reliance Industries ended higher for the second straight session and closed above its 20-day moving average. Mahindra & Mahindra was also among the top contributors to the Nifty's gains.

3. Realty and auto stocks outperform

Realty and auto were the top-performing sectoral indices during the session. In contrast, the IT index snapped its two-day gaining streak.

4. Stock-specific action supports broader market

Dixon Technologies jumped 7% after Investec raised its target price to ₹16,200 per share. Diamond Power hit the 10% upper circuit after securing an order worth ₹436 crore.

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CreditAccess Grameen gained over 2% as asset quality improved and disbursements rose 12% year-on-year. Oswal Pumps and Shakti Pumps climbed up to 5% after receiving MSEDCL orders for solar projects. Bandhan Bank advanced 4% after reporting 7% year-on-year growth in total deposits for the first quarter.

5. Mixed moves across individual stocks

Kotak Mahindra Bank was the top Nifty loser, falling 4% as CASA declined sequentially. Premier Explosives fell over 4% after announcing a board meeting scheduled for July 9. Vedanta Oil & Gas declined 9% as production fell across all units.

From the Sensex basket, HDFC Bank Ltd, Hindalco Industries Ltd, Bajaj Auto Ltd, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, TVS Motor Company Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd were the major gainers.

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Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, Max Healthcare Institute Ltd, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Bajaj Finserv Ltd, Wipro Ltd and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd were the biggest laggards.