Discounting the rise of inflation figure to double digit, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex made gains for the third day in a row to close over 18,350, up 145 points, following firm global cues amid renewed capital inflows.
The index opened up in tandem with positive Asian markets and remained in the green through the day, ending at 18,350.74 ? a gain of 144.58 points or 0.79%.
The NSE 50-issue Nifty also improved further by 42.15 points or 0.77% to end above the 5,500-mark at 5,522.40.
Realty, auto and capital goods witnessed good buying, as well as short-coverings by operators ahead of the expiry of the monthly derivatives contract on March 31. The investor sentiment remained upbeat on the positives of the past couple of days ? the tabling of the two reforms bills on banking and indirect taxes in the Lok Sabha, easing concerns over Japan’s nuclear problems and legendary US investor Warren Buffett?s indications to invest in India in a big way.
Out of the 13 sectoral indices of BSE, only oil & gas and healthcare closed with minor losses.