Sensex hits a new high at 21,492 points

A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Thursday touched a new high at 21,492 points, led by strong buying support from foreign institutional investors.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) touched a high of 21492.49 points, surpassing its previous high of 21,483.74 points touched Dec 9, 2013.

The Sensex, which opened at 21,336.32 points, was trading at 21,478.21 points in the afternoon session, up 201.35 points or 0.95 percent from the previous day's close at 21,276.86 points.

The rally was led by banking index (bankex), capital goods, oil and gas and metal sectors.

The S&P BSE bankex gained 211.11 points, capital goods index got augmented by 171.77 points, oil and gas index moved up by 159.48 points and metal index increased by 180.26 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also gained 61.45 points or 0.97 percent up at 6,390.10 points.