Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) A benchmark index of Indian equities markets continued its uptrend, closing Wednesday with a 169-point gain. Broader markets performed better amid positive global cues.
The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,178.77 points, closed at 19,290.18 points, up 169.38 points or 0.89 percent from its previous close at 19,120.8 points.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty shut shop 0.89 percent higher at 5,787.65 points.
Broader markets also ended in the positive. The BSE midcap index closed 1.51 percent up, while the BSE smallcap moved up 2.2 percent.
All 13 sectoral indices on the BSE were in the green with consumer durables, realty and healthcare stocks among the leading gainers.
The market breadth was positive, with 2,057 stocks advancing compared to 801 scrips on the decline. Ninty-three stocks remained unchanged.
Among the major gainers on the Sensex were Cipla, up 5.17 percent at Rs.327.65; DLF, up 3.83 percent at Rs.263.05; M&M, up 3.46 percent at Rs.710.05; and SBI, up 3.27 percent at Rs.2,859.25.
The losers included: Hindalco, down 1.15 percent at Rs.205.40; ITC, down 0.84 percent at Rs.177.70; BHEL, down 0.47 percent at Rs.2,058.15; and Tata Power, down 0.3 percent at Rs.1,325.80.
According to data available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, foreign institutional investors bought stocks worth $107.57 million Tuesday.
Most Asian markets rose tracking overnight gains at Wall Street.
The Japanese Nikkei average closed 2.06 percent higher at 9,654.34 points.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng advanced 1.71 percent to trade at 23,453.6 points. However, China's Shanghai Composite was trading 0.48 percent lower at 2,943.85 points.
European stocks were in the green around mid-day.
Around mid-day, the French CAC 40 was trading 0.97 percent higher at 4,026.4 points, while Britain's FTSE was ruling 0.53 percent up at 5,963.74 points.
The German DAX was ruling 1.61 percent up at 7,045.87 points.