Sensex crosses 26,000-mark; IT stocks surge

A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Monday hit a record high of 26,099.35 points in the early session on pre-budget optimism.

Budget is due July 10.

Good buying was observed in IT, metal and auto sectors, while selling pressure was seen in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 26,039.67 points, was trading at 26,058.61 points (at 9.28 a.m.) in the early session, up 96.55 points or 0.37 percent from the previous day's close at 25,962.06 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 26,099.35 points and a low of 26,031.05 points in trade. The S&P BSE IT index gained 134.20 points, auto index increased by 112.44 points and metal index moved up by 104.37 points. However, FMCG index dropped by 33.15 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was trading at 26.85 points or 0.35 percent up at 7,778.45 points.