Sensex reverses losses on hopes of Jan rate cut, up 120 pts

The Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share barometer resumed better amid growing clamour for a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in today's mid-quarter monetary policy review. However, it fell to a low of 19,149.03, down by over 95 points, after the central bank maintained status quo.

However, the bluechip index rebounded nearly 250 points after the RBI hinted easing of rates in January saying with decline in inflation, the focus of monetary policy would "shift" to removing impediments to "growth". It closed at 19,364.75, a rise of 120.33 points or 0.63 per cent.

Rise in Bharti Airtel, HDFC, L&T, Tata Steel, SBI, Tata Motors, BHEL, Sun Pharma, ICICI Bank and Hindalco contributed significantly to Sensex gains.

"RBI kept the rates and CRR unchanged and this caused markets to take an initial hit. However, hopes of monetary easing are being built for first quarter of 2013," said Milan Bavishi, Head Research, Inventure Growth & Securities.

Buying was seen across-the-board as 12 out of 13 sectoral indices closed with gains while only BSE-Oil&Gas finished with minor losses as RIL and ONGC closed lower.

Across the market, 1,682 out of 3,073 stocks registered gains helping the investor wealth rise by about Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 68.27 lakh crore.

The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 38.90 points, or 0.66 per cent, to 5,896.80.

With government withdrawing a clause allowing futures trading for banks from a Bill which seeks to amend banking laws, traders said the move helped cement gains in the sector.

They added a firming global trend on optimism over progress made by US policy makers last night to avoid 'fiscal cliff', aided Indian stocks. (MORE)