Tracking a strong global trend, the Indian equity indices closed at record levels on Friday as banking, telecom and auto heavyweights posted strong gains. The 30-share Sensex gained 184.21 points or 0.54% to close at a new high of 34,153.85. The broader Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) closed at 10,558.85, up 0.51% or 54.05 points.
The Sensex gainers pack was led by Yes Bank, Adani Ports, Bharti Airtel, IndusInd Bank, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, TCS and Tata Steel. On BSE, 1,702 stocks gained ground, as against 1,235 declines. Meanwhile, foreign investors have been net buyers of Indian equities at Rs.1,618 crore in January, after ending December as net sellers of shares worth Rs.5,883 crore.
Among the leading global indices, Nikkei, Hang Seng, FTSE, DAX (Germany) and CAC 40 (France) all ended in the green. Incidentally, the Dow Jones closed above the 25,000- mark for the first time ever on Thursday as better-than-expected PMI and employment numbers lifted investor sentiments.
The coming week would see the start of the earnings season with sector heavyweights Infosys and TCS scheduled to announce their corporate numbers.
