By IANS,
Mumbai : Indian equities markets were trading firmly in the positive Monday with a benchmark index breaching the 18,400-mark, led by strong buying support in energy and auto stocks, as hike in diesel, kerosene and LPG prices boosted investor- sentiments.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,132.70 points, was trading at 18,408.51 points in the afternoon, up 0.92 percent or 167.83 points from its previous close of 18,240.68 points.
The Sensex touched a high of 18,432.67 points and low of 18,132.70 points in the intra-day so far.
The benchmark Sensex had surged 513 points Friday.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the green at 5,535 points, up 1.17 percent or 63.75 points.
Broader markets were also in the positive with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.77 points higher at the BSE smallcap index up 0.72 percent.
ONGC surged nearly five percent at Rs.286.40. Mahindra and Mahindra, up 3.32 percent at Rs.694.50; Bajaj Auto, up 3.20 percent at Rs.1,427 and Tata Steel, up 1.99 percent at Rs.590.15 were among the other major gainers.