The Indian stock markets continued their upward trend for the second consecutive session. The BSE Sensex closed at 18,871, up 0.8% while the NSE Nifty ended at 5,680, up 0.83%. Reliance Industries shares surged after receiving approval to sell a 30% stake in oil blocks. US stocks fell as concerns grew over the US debt ceiling negotiations. In Asia, markets were mixed with Japan and Singapore flat while China fell 2.93%. Commodity prices were mixed with gold up 0.73% while Brent crude oil fell 0.47%.