Sensex rises over 250 points, Nifty above 23,900 as markets extend gains; HCL Tech among top gainers

Sensex rose over 250 points to 76,550 and Nifty50 traded above 23,900, extending gains as India VIX fell 2.5% to 14.35. HCL Tech led the rally with a 3% jump, supported by gains in Tech Mahindra, Adani Ports, SBI, Eternal, IndiGo, L&T, HUL, Infosys, HDFC Bank and TCS, while Axis Bank and Bajaj Finance slipped 0.5% each. Experts cited softer Brent crude (below $84) and rupee stability at 94.71/$ as supportive, but flagged weak monsoon, elevated FY27 CPI forecast of 5.1%, and persistent FII selling as near-term headwinds.