Sensex Extends Rally Into 9th Day

India’s BSE Sensex closed about 1% up at 81,879.4 on Wednesday, its highest level since late February and marking the ninth consecutive session of gains. Market sentiment continued to be supported by relatively contained oil prices and optimism around foreign investor inflows. Gains were broad-based, with buying particularly strong in banking and automobile stocks. Technology and healthcare stocks lagged, however, amid selective profit-booking and a shift of investor interest toward domestic cyclical sectors.