Mumbai, Feb. 2 -- Equity benchmarks staged a sharp comeback on Monday, breaking a two-session slide as investors weighed the union budget's implications for market sentiment and capital flows. Buying momentum returned despite proposals to raise securities transaction taxes on derivatives and the absence of fresh steps to lure foreign capital. The Nifty reclaimed territory above the 25,050 mark, powered by firm gains in auto, energy and metal stocks.

The S&P BSE Sensex zoomed 943.52 points or 1.17% to 81,666.46. The Nifty 50 index jumped 262.95 points or 1.06% to 25,088.40. In the past two consecutive trading sessions, the Sensex declined 0.73% while the Nifty fell 0.91%.

Reliance Industries (up 3.28%), Larsen & Toubro (up 2.86%) and ICI...