The 30-share BSE Sensex advanced 166.49 points, or 0.21 per cent, to settle at 78,094.64. The 50-share NSE Nifty gained 66.45 points, or 0.27 per cent, to end at 24,383.60.

The 30-share BSE Sensex inched up 14.90 points, or 0.02 per cent, at 77,943.05 in the morning trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty gained 24.10 points, or 0.10 per cent at 24,341.25 in the initial trade