Exit polls predictions of a stable BJP-led government at the Centre propelled the domestic stock markets to a third huge rally in as many days, and lifted both the Sensex and the Nifty to fresh record highs.

One day after closing above the 23,000-level, the Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange surged to cross the 24,000-mark, at a lifetime high of 24,069. But the Sensex later trimmed its gains, to still stand a good 333 points, or 1.4 percent in the green, at 23,884, in afternoon trade, a short while ago.

Unlike in the past two days, when the Sensex had rallied over 1,200 points, today's rally was more broadbased, with good buying not only by foreign funds, but also retail investors. Similary, the Nifty at the National Stock Exchange had jumped 100 points, to 7,115, a short while ago, after earlier hitting a record high of 7,172.

Across at the forex market, the rupee pared its early gains, but was still 28 paise stronger, at 59.77 against the dollar, in morning trade. The rupee rose on strong foreign capital inflows into the stock markets, selling of dollars by banks and exporters, and a weak dollar overseas.