Continuing its winning streak, the benchmark index of equities markets on Monday closed 171 points higher than its previous close ? its third straight rise. Strong buying was seen in capital goods, banking, auto and energy stocks as a hike in diesel, kerosene and LPG prices boosted investor sentiments. The 30 scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,132.70 points, closed at 18,412.41 points, up 0.94 % or 171.73 points from its previous close of 18,240.68 points.
The Sensex touched an intra-day high of 18,494.11 points. It has added over 860 points in the last three trading sessions.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also closed higher at 5,526.6 points, up 1.01% or 55.35 points.
Broader markets also ended in the positive with the BSE midcap index closing 0.82% higher and the BSE smallcap index up 0.8%.
The market breadth was positive, with 1,636 stocks advancing, 1,193 on the decline and 116 remaining unchanged. Though the increase in prices of diesel and cooking gas are expected to add to the inflationary pressure and result in another rate hike by the Reserve Bank of India, interest rate sensitive stocks too soared.
PSU, capital goods and banking stocks were among the major gainers, while realty and FMCG scrips ended on the losing side.
Among gainers on the 30-scrip Sensex were: ONGC, up 4.16% at R284.15; M&M, up 3.09% at R693; Maruti Suzuki, up 2.86% at R1,153.35 and L&T, up 2.69% at R1,785.70.
Prominent among the losers were Reliance Infra, down 1.48% at R522.60; ITC, down 0.77% at R193.55; Hero Honda, down 0.76% at R1,852.05 and DLF, down 0.74% at R214.90.