A benchmark index for Indian equities markets closed 1.11 per cent higher on Thursday on strong buying support in energy, realty and auto stocks.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) which opened at 17,917.11 points, closed at 18,044.64 points, up 1.11 per cent or 197.40 points from its previous close at 17,847.24 points.
The Sensex touched a high of 18,072.61 points and low of 17,862.88 points in the intraday. ONGC soared 4.44 per cent at Rs.274.30. Hero Honda jumped almost four percent at Rs.1,873.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange settled 1.10 per cent or 58.80 points higher at 5,407.75 points. At the broader markets, the BSE midcap index closed 0.14 per cent higher and the BSE smallcap index settled with a gain of nearly half percent. Most sectoral indices also closed in the positive with oil and gas index gaining nearly three per cent. The BSE metal and auto indices gained 1.50 per cent.