New Delhi, March 21 -- Indian stock markets closed higher for the fifth consecutive session on Friday, March 21, driven by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) returning to Indian equities amid attractive valuations and signs of an economic recovery. Broader markets outperformed benchmarks, while the Indian rupee extended its winning streak, further boosting investor sentiment.

The BSE Sensex climbed 557.45 points to close at 76,905.51, while the Nifty 50 gained 159.75 points, ending at 23,350.40. Both indices recorded a 4.3 percent weekly gain-their best weekly performance in over four years.

Broader markets also surged, with the Nifty Midcap index rising 1.4 percent and the Nifty Smallcap index adding 2 percent. Market breadth remai...