Key benchmark indices were trading on a strong note led by buying demand in index pivotals Infosys, HDFC and ITC. At 18:15 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 248.96 points or 0.71% at 35,240.87. The Nifty 50 index was up 64.75 points or 0.58% at 10,594.75. The Sensex was trading above the psychological 35,000 level after regaining that level in opening trade.

Trading for Samvat 2075 began on a firm note. Domestic stock markets are open for a special Muhurat trading session today, 7 November 2018 between 17:15 IST and 18:30 IST. Stock markets will remain shut tomorrow, 8 November 2018 on account of Diwali Balipratipada.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.85%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 1.13%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On the BSE, 1885 shares rose and 416 shares fell. A total of 116 shares were unchanged.

Index heavyweight Infosys gained 1.3% to Rs 675.50.

Hero MotoCorp rose 1.22% after the company unveiled its new premium motorcycle, the XPulse 200T, at the global platform of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 6 November 2018.

The XPulse 200T is a 'Tourer' that offers customers modern technology in retro styling. Built to inspire touring, the XPulse 200T offers easy and comfortable riding posture. The motorcycle offers a host of safety and convenience features such as single channel ABS, LED head and tail lamps, digital speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.

NMDC rose 1.52% after the company said that the Karnataka State Government extended the lease of Donimalai Mine with effect from 4 November 2018 for 20 years. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 6 November 2018.

NMDC said that lease deed of Donimalai Iron Ore Mine expired on 3 November 2018. The Karnataka State Government has already extended the lease of Donimalai Mine with effect from 4 November 2018 for 20 years. Other formalities are in the process.