By IANS
Mumbai : Indian shares ended firm with the benchmark index closing 1.84 percent higher, led by gains in blue-chip stocks, as concern over political uncertainty eased markedly by Friday.
The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) closed 260.89 points or 1.84 percent higher at 14,424.87 after touching a low of 14,163 points in intra-day deals.
Similarly, the 50-issue broader National Stock Exchange (NSE) index, Nifty closed 75.20 points or 1.83 percent higher at 4,190.15.
Analysts however cautioned retail investors from any wilful trading.
“It’s better that retail investors stay away from trading until the dust settles down,” said an analyst with a leading brokerage here. “Markets don’t encourage uncertainties. Unless a clear picture emerges, we are still in a no man’s zone.”
Top multi-utility vehicle maker Tata Motors led the Sensex surge, up 5.71 percent at Rs.657.65, followed by Bharat Heavy Electricals, up 5.34 percent at Rs.1,750.40, and private sector energy producer Reliance Energy, up 4.22 percent at Rs.735.55.
Steel maker Tata Steel, top public sector lender State Bank of India, drug major Ranbaxy Laboratories, fourth largest software exporter Satyam Computers, Oil and Natural Gas Corp., National Thermal Power Corp, leading private sector telecom service provider Reliance Communications were some other major gainers of the day.
Drug maker Dr. Reddy’s laboratories and mortgage and finance firm Housing Development Finance Corp were the only Sensex stocks that ended lower.
Dr. Reddy’s was down 0.76 percent at Rs.626.00, losing Rs.4.80, and HDFC shed 0.16 percent trading at Rs.1,905.15, losing Rs.3.10.