Mumbai, Dec 1 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities started December on a positive note, gaining close to 3 percent in morning trade Thursday.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 16,555.93 points, was ruling at 16,591.3 points about 20 minutes into trade, 467.84 points or 2.9 percent up from its previous close at 16,123.46 points.
It had risen to 16,718.11 points, minutes after opening bell.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also shot up to rule at 4,975.4 points, up 2.97 percent or 143.35 points from its previous close.
Broader markets were ruling in the green as well with the BSE 500 index up 2.58 percent.