Equity indices close higher, Sensex rises over 300 points

The benchmark Sensex of the BSE surged over 300 points on Friday as positive cues from the Asian markets, along with healthy buying in almost all the sectors -- led by metals, banking and healthcare stocks -- kept investors' sentiments buoyed.

The other key index -- NSE Nifty50 -- too, closed over 100 points higher, signalling a steady start to the March derivatives series.

The wider Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) edged higher by 108.35 points, or 1.04 per cent, to provisionally close at 10,491.05 points (at 3.30 p.m.).

The barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE settled near its day's high of 34,167.60 points to provisionally close at 34,142.15 points -- up 322.65 points, or 0.95 per cent, from its previous close.

The BSE market breadth was bullish with 1,902 advances and 831 declines.

Top five gainers on the BSE were Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, Yes Bank, ONGC and Bharti Airtel.

On Thursday, the equity indices closed with marginal losses on the back of volatility infused by futures and options expiry along with negative global cues and a weak rupee.

The Nifty50 had closed lower by 14.75 points, or 0.14 per cent, at 10,382.70 points, while the Sensex fell by 25.36 points, or 0.07 per cent, to close at 33,819.50 points.

--IANS

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