24 April, 2009

Indian key benchmark indices advanced for the seventh straight week as positive cues from European markets improve investors’ sentiments in domestic bourses. Further, the approaching F&O expiry forced traders for short covering.

The Sensex closed at provisional 11309.48, up 174.49 points or 1.57%. The index hit an intra-day high of 11362.88 and low of 11070.33. Nifty ended at provisional 3476.45, up 52.75 points or 1.54%. The broader index hit a low of 3402.90 and high of 3491.35.

Most sectoral indices closed in green on gains in consumer durables (2.57%), Bankex (2.48%), capital goods (1.88%), auto (1.74%) and oil & gas (1.19%).However, FMCG (-0.23%) ended in red.

The BSE Mid cap Index exceeded the Sensex gaining 1.72% while the BSE small cap index advanced 1.48%. Market breadth was positive on the BSE with 1530 advanced and 978 declines while, 94 scrips unchanged.