By IANS,
Mumbai : After two consecutive days of subdued trading, a benchmark index for Indian equities markets Thursday soared over 351 points to close above the 19,000 mark — the first time it has breached this level since two months.
Latest economic data which showed food inflation level easing helped stoke bullish sentiments as traders bought across the market breadth.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,776.62 points, closed at 19,078.3 points – up 351.33 points or 1.88 percent from its previous close at 18,726.97 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange ended at 5,728.95 points, up 1.84 percent.
Broader markets too closed among gains with the BSE midcap index ending 1.12 percent up and the BSE smallcap index up 1.08 percent.
The market breadth was positive with 1,898 stocks advancing, 968 on the decline and 132 remaining unchanged.
FMCG, realty and captial goods stocks were among the top gainers on the BSE. All 13 sectoral indices on the BSE were in the green.
According to data available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, foreign institutional investors bought stocks worth $63.31 million Thursday.
Among gainers on the 30-scrip Sensex were Bharti Airtel, up 3.88 percent at Rs.398.05; Hindalco, up 3.63 percent at Rs.195.70; ITC, up 3.31 percent at Rs.203.05; and L&T, up 3.01 percent at Rs.1,861.25.
The sole loser on the benchmark was Sterlite Industries, down 0.73 percent at Rs.170.10.
Asian markets ended on a glum note as traders expected a rate hike by the Chinese central bank and awaited the release of US employment data Friday.
The Nikkei of the Japanese stock exchange ended on a dull note at 10,071.14 points, down 0.11 percent.
The Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange closed flat at 22,530.18 points, while the Chinese Shanghai composite index was fell 0.58 percent at 2,794.27 points.
European bourses were ruling moderately higher.
Britain’s FTSE 100 was up 0.42 percent at 6,028.09 points, the French CAC 40 was ruling 0.5 percent higher at 3,981.06 points.
The German DAX was up 0.48 percent at 7,466.96 points.