Stock markets end higher; ITC, banks lead recovery as RBI keeps policy rates unchanged

Stock markets closed higher on Friday (February 6, 2026) after the Reserve Bank of India kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged as expected and proposed allowing banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) with certain prudential safeguards to deepen the financing pool for the real estate sector. Helped by fag-end buying, the 30-share BSE Sensex advanced 266.47 points or 0.32%, to settle at 83,580.40. From the day’s low of 82,925.35, the benchmark jumped 655.05 points at the end of trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 50.90 points or 0.20%, to end at 25,693.70 in a volatile session. The…