Indian equity markets closed higher on November 17, with the Nifty ending at 26,013 and the Sensex rising 388 points, supported by strong buying across banking, auto and metal sectors. Bajaj Auto, Tata Consumer and Eicher Motors were among the top performers, while PSU banks and consumer durable stocks also recorded notable gains. Analysts attributed the market strength to stable global cues, sector rotation in domestic indices and improving corporate earnings momentum. Broader participation from mid- and small-cap segments helped reinforce the bullish undertone for the week ahead.