Sensex closes 1.9 percent higher (Second Lead)

MUMBAI - A benchmark index of Indian equities markets closed 1.9 percent higher Monday as buying picked up in the second half of the day.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,713.84 points, closed at 19,956.92 points (provisional), up 371.48 points or 1.9 percent from its previous close of 19,585.44 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty shut shop at 6,009.25 points, up 2.02 percent.

Broader markets indices were in the green too, with the BSE midcap index ending 1.32 percent up and the BSE smallcap index moving up 1.54 percent.