Sensex marks highest ever close; auto, IT stocks shine

Building on previous three-session gains, the BSE benchmark Sensex Tuesday added another 185 points to hit an all-time closing high of 39,056.65 and the NSE Nifty ended above the key 11,700-level on intense buying in auto, IT and banking stocks amid RBI rate cut hopes and robust global sentiment.

The 30-share Sensex started on a positive note at 38,988.57 and swung between a high of 39,121.69 and a low of 38,846.96. During the course, it also set its new intra-day record by touching 39,121.69. The gauge finally settled the day at 39,056.65, 184.78 points or 0.48 per cent higher, marking its highest ever closing.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty opened higher at 11,711.55 and rose to a high of 11,729.35. It closed at 11,713.20, up 44.05 points or 0.38 per cent.

On the benchmark Sensex setting a new record, BSE CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan told PTI, "It is a matter of pride for BSE that Sensex has completed 40 years. It was the first real time index of India and caught imagination of investing public. Till date, it remains the barometer of India's stock markets in public imagination."