NEW DELHI: Benchmark indices ended a 2-month long consolidation phase and gained about 3 per cent last week. Signs of Covid cases peaking out combined with favourable global cues lifted sentiment. Besides, the earnings announcements also came in line with the expectations and supported the up move.

Eventually, Nifty decisively surpassed the hurdle at 15,000 and settled around the week’s high. Most sectoral indices ended with gains wherein auto and banking were the top gainers. The broader markets too witnessed healthy buying interest as both midcap and smallcap ended higher by about 4 per cent.

“We expect volatility to remain high next week due to the scheduled derivatives expiry of May month contracts. Besides, participants will be closely eyeing the covid-related updates as the reduction in the cases has raised hopes of gradual unlocking by the states,” said Ajit Mishra, VP Research. Religare Broking.

In the BSE 500 stocks, nearly 400 stocks ended the week in positive while the rest closed with cuts.

Here are key stocks that buzzed the most during the last week:

TCI Express: Shares of the company were in great demand after the firm came out with its March quarter numbers last week and announced Rs 2 per share dividend. The stock jumped 37.18 per cent to Rs 1,295.

HFCL: Shares of HFCL, a telecom company, gained 32.12 per cent to Rs 49.15 after the company launched TIP OpenWi-Fi Compliant Access Points for its clients. This ensures plug and play interoperability across multiple vendors resulting in a faster roll out of features.

La Opala RG: Shares of the glassmaker surged 20.59 per cent to Rs 257.65 ahead of its earnings scheduled on Tuesday. Reports show glass companies are expected to gain from increased demand for vials from vaccine companies.

Adani Green Energy: Shares of Adani Green Energy surged 19.51 per cent during the week, to Rs 1,300.45 after the company said it will acquire SB Energy in a deal worth $3.5 billion (Rs 24,000 crore). It is the largest transaction in India's renewable energy sector.

KEI Industries: Shares of KEI Industries were also in demand ahead of its earnings reports scheduled next week. The stock advanced 19.30 per cent to Rs 605.45.

Shilpa Medicare: Shares of drugmaker Shilpa Medicare gained 18.70 per cent to Rs 540.50 after the company entered into a definitive agreement with Dr Reddy's Laboratories for manufacturing of Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V.

SAIL, JSPL and Tata Steel: Shares of steelmakers saw profit booking during the last week after the massive rally in the last few months. SAIL fell 4.05 per cent to Rs 122.05, JSPL dropped 3.38 per cent to Rs 403.05 and Tata Steel slid 1.73 per cent to Rs 1,112.50.

Bharti Airtel: Shares of the telecom giant were under selling pressure last week after its March quarter numbers disappointed investors. The stock dropped 5.29 per cent to Rs 530.90.