Indian share benchmark indices clocked higher mainly led by technology (IT) stocks and some financials after the banking index turned positive. Heavyweights stocks like HDFC Bank, Infosys, HCL Tech, TCS, and Asian Paints contributed the most to the gains in today's trade.

The BSE benchmark Sensex ended 113 points higher at 40,544 whereas the NSE Nifty advanced 24 points to settle at 11,897. Broader markets outperformed benchmarks with Nifty Mid-cap and Small-cap rising 0.6 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively. Among sectors, Nifty Realty index surged over 4 percent and Nifty IT added 1.4 percent. Nifty Bank, Auto and Pharma also recorded good gains in todays trading session. However Nifty Energy lost over 1 percent and Nifty fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) slipped 0.3 percent for the day. The Metal and PSU Bank indices were also in declined in trade today.

On the Nifty50 index, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel and HDFC Bank were the top gainers whereas Britannia, Oil and natural Gas Corp (ONGC), Indian Oil Coprn (IOC), GAIL India and UPL led the losses. FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) reported 9 percent year on year net profit at Rs. 2009 crore for the just ended September quarter. In the same quarter of the previous year the Company’s net profit came in at Rs. 1848 crore. Total sales at the company also grew 16 percent to Rs. 11276 crore in comparison to Rs. 9708 recorded during the corresponding quarter last year. After declaring the results, HUL's shares closed with marginal losses in October 20 session at Rs. 2178.8 per share on the BSE.

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