<h1>Equity indices extend four-day rally as blue-chip conglomerate boosts gains; banks, IT firms mostly climb amid steady flows</h1> Equity benchmarks rose for a fourth consecutive day, with the 30-stock index up about 0.49% and the 50-stock index up about 0.52%, led by gains in a major blue-chip conglomerate after it reported a year-on-year quarterly profit rise; several banks, financial services and IT firms were also among gainers while some banks, automakers and infrastructure companies lagged. Foreign and domestic institutional investors were net buyers. Regional and global markets were broadly positive, and crude prices eased slightly. Domestic exchanges will hold a one-hour special Muhurat trading session on the upcoming festival day.