Sensex ends above 22,500-level

The BSE benchmark Sensex today surpassed the 22,500-level to set a new closing high for the sixth day in succession on the back of persistent foreign capital inflows and positive global cues.
The barometer opened the day on a stronger note and spurted further to its all-time record of 22,592.10 intra-day, with realty, refinery, healthcare, capital goods, power and consumer durable counters attracting buying.
The Sensex finally ended the day at life-time closing high of 22,551.49, a rise of 105.05 points or 0.47 per cent from its previous close. It had set new high levels at close in the previous five days as well.

The 50-share NSE Nifty gained 31.50 points or 0.47 per cent to finish at 6,752.55, after registering an all-time high of 6,763.50 intra-day.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their buying spree as they bought shares worth a net Rs 385.66 crore yesterday, as per provisional data from stock exchanges.
"For yet another session, markets were seen scaling to new heights on the back of positive domestic cues. Clearance from the Election Commission for announcement of new bank licenses to RBI before the outcome of general elections triggered buying in financial space and later resumed by the other banking counters as well," said Jayant Manglik, President, Retail Distribution, Religare Securities.

State-run SBI gained 2.06 per cent, ICICI Bank 1.53 per cent and HDFC 1.09 per cent.

Bharti Airtel at 3.34 per cent was the day's biggest gainer, followed by Tata Motor at 2.62 per cent. Cipla was 2.00 per cent, ONGC 1.96 per cent, Larsen 1.85 per cent, RIL Ind 1.68 per cent,
ITC fell by 2.31 per cent, Hindalco 1.45 per cent, SSLT 1.41 per cent and HDFC Bank 1.02 per cent.
IT stocks were also showcasing resilience against the backdrop of Rupee's appreciation to eight month high level, Manglik said.