Broader markets outperm benchmark, Midcaps up 1%

Markets have welcomed Samvat 2070 on a strong note on the special Mahurat trading session this Diwali, with both the benchmark indices close to all-time highs.

By 19:20, the BSE S&P Sensex was higher by 30 points at 21,226 and the 50-share Nifty advanced 6 points to open at 6,313.

The broader markets are outperforming benchmark indices. The BSE mid-cap index has advanced 1.12% or 6,246 and the small-cap index is up 1.42% or 83 points at 6,022.

The overall breadth of the BSE mid-cap index is positive as 188 stocks are advancing while 33 are declining.

Shares of public sector undertaking (PSU) banks are trading higher by up to 10%, extending their past two days rally on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

CNX PSU Bank index has rallied over 10% in past three trading sessions after select banks reported better-than-expected earnings for the quarter ended September 2013 (Q2).

Indian Bank, Dena Bank, Syndicate Bank, Central Bank, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank are up 1-10% on BSE.

Bank of India has rallied 29% in past three trading sessions on reporting better than expected numbers both on the operating as well as on the asset quality front.

Rolta India has surged over 17% to Rs 74, also its 52-week high on BSE, on back of heavy volumes.