Indian equity benchmarks closed higher on Thursday, after the central bank held its key lending rate steady as expected but surprised markets by leaving the deposit rate unchanged, and as it stuck to its accommodative policy stance to aid the economic recovery.

Dear Trader… Indian equity benchmarks extended gains to a third straight day on Thursday, led by strong performance in Power, Metal and Banking stocks.  After making cautious start, benchmark indices rebounded sharply post RBI’s announcements. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4 per cent