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Positive macroeconomic data helped domestic markets, with the Nifty falling just short of all-time high levels. During the week, 26 BSE500 stocks provided double-digit returns, with Brightcom Group leading the way at 27%, followed by Wockhardt with 26%.

Manu Rohit Jetly, Head of Shared Services and India Operations at Fidelity International, spoke with ETMarkets about his physical and mental fitness regime. Jetly runs 5km two to three times during the week and 10km on Sundays. He tries to cover about 90km per month, which amounts to roughly 1000km per year. Jetly also includes 30 minutes of free weights in his workout routine. In addition to physical fitness, he focuses on sleeping well, maintaining positive self-talk and visualizing goals. He also engages in photography, music, and reading, encouraging young people to stay fit, build networks, develop hobbies and remain positive.

Deposits in commercial banks in India increased by INR 3.26 lakh crore to INR 187 lakh crore in the first two weeks after the Reserve Bank of India announced the withdrawal of INR 2,000 notes, according to the latest data. Term deposits rose INR 2.65 lakh crore while demand deposits increased by INR 760,968 crore, resulting in an annual deposit growth rate of 11.8%, compared to 9.3% last year.

Tata Sons-owned Air India has approached the civil aviation regulator, seeking approval to cross-utilise pilots and cabin crew of Air India Express and AirAsia India and sell tickets as a single brand before the proposed merger of the two low-cost airlines gets all approvals.

"Adani Digital Labs, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, has signed a share purchase agreement in relation to its proposed acquisition of 100% stake in Stark Enterprises," read a stock exchange notification from Adani Enterprises.

The Nifty gained 137.90 points, or 0.74%, to settle at 18,826 on Friday, surpassing its previous closing high of 18,812.50 on December 1. With overseas funds extending their purchases of local stocks, the risk-on sentiment remained intact, although analysts do not rule out hurdles for the Nifty around the 19,000 mark.

On a technical basis, the rupee crossed a key gauge for the first time in more than a year, suggesting the possibility of further gains ahead, currency traders said.

"Investors are understanding that the changes in tax regime bought about in February will probably not impact demand that significantly, and that it will not be as bad as anticipated. Monthly numbers have also not been bad - especially after a blockbuster March, so that is helpful," Madhukar Ladha, director, Nuvama Institutional Equities said.

​​Reliance contributed 272 points to the Nifty rally. Indian markets closed at record highs on Friday, with the Nifty closing at 18,826 and the Sensex at 63,385. Nifty 50 is now only 63 points away from an all-time high level, whereas Sensex closed just 198 points away from the record high hit on December 1, 2022.

But Pandey said the bank has excess bond investments of about ₹18,000 crore, which can be liquidated for lending purposes. - Our Bureau