A sharp fall in crude oil prices after the International Energy Agency announced its decision to pump in 60 million barrels of oil in the global markets, and the rally on the Asian bourses following the European Union, Greece and the IMF agreeing on an austerity plan for Greece provided the required ammunition and set up the stage for the bulls today. Some sector and stock specific stories too provided the necessary spark to the rally. 

The Sensex, which sailed past 18,000 in style, went on to add another 250 plus points to hit a high of 18,268.95 in late afternoon trade and eventually ended the day at 18,240.68 with a whopping gain of 513.19 points or 2.89%.

The broader 50-stock Nifty index of the National Stock Exchange vaulted to 5477.85 and finally settled at 5471.25, recording a thumping gain of 151.25 points or 2.84%.