Equity markets close at record high, Q1 results buoy sentiments

The key Indian equity indices -- the BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty -- provisionally closed at record highs on Monday.

According to market observers, investors' sentiments were boosted by hopes of healthy quarterly results from index heavyweights such as Ambuja Cements and HDFC Bank, and buying in banking, IT and FMCG stocks.

The wider Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) provisionally closed at a fresh high of 9,966.40 points -- up 51.15 points, or 0.52 per cent from its previous session's close.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 32,100.22 points, also closed at a new high of 32,245.87 points -- up 216.98 points, or 0.68 per cent, from its previous close at 32,028.89 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 32,320.86 points and a low of 32,058.33 points during intra-day trade.

However, the BSE market breadth was bearish with 1,389 declines and 1,314 advances.

On Friday, the benchmark indices were buoyed by healthy quarterly results from index heavyweights such as Reliance Industries (RIL) and Wipro.

The Nifty rose by 41.95 points, or 0.42 per cent, to close at 9,915.25 points. The Sensex closed at 32,028.89 points -- up 124.49 points, or 0.39 per cent.

--IANS

ppg/vt