Sensex soars, broader markets join rally

MUMBAI - A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was ruling almost 400 points higher amid buoyant buying sentiments across the market breadth Monday. Other Asian markets too were on the rise.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 17,940.16 points, rose to 18,122.49 points, up 393.88 points or 2.22 percent from its previous close at 17,728.61 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange moved up 2.14 percent higher at 5,423.75 points.

Broader markets also shot up, with the BSE midcap index trading 2.76 percent higher and the BSE small cap index ruling 3.53 percent up.

All 13 sectoral indices on the BSE were in the positive, with capital goods, auto and consumer durable stocks leading the gainers.

The market breadth was positive, with 2,320 stocks advancing compared to 409 scrips on the decline. A total of 58 stocks remained unchanged.

Among gainers on the 30-scrip Sensex were Tata Motors, L&T, Jindal Steel and Tata Power, while the sole loser on the benchmark index was DLF.

Other Asian markets snapped a five-day losing spree as rumours did the rounds that economic data coming from China was expected to show inflation lower than expected.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was ruling 1.42 percent up at 23,154.07 points, while a benchmark of Chinese markets, Shanghai Composite index, nudged up 2.44 percent at 2,896.45 points.

The Japanese Nikkei shot up 1.13 percent at 10,725.54 points.