Equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty ended at new peaks for the third session in a row on Monday boosted by gains in power and capital goods shares amid continued optimism over the incoming Narendra Modi-led government.
The 30-scrip S&P BSE Sensex attained its new closing peak of 24,363.05, up over 241 points.
The NSE’s 50-issue CNX Nifty also spurted 60.55 points, or 0.84 per cent, to end at a new closing high of 7,263.55.
Both indices surpassed previous closing highs hit on Friday. In three days, they have gained above 2 per cent.
Stocks of power companies, led by 10.35 per cent surge in NTPC, were the star performers of the day. Bhel zoomed 16.94 per cent on signing a pact with Indonesian firm to set up a power plant. Coal India scrip galloped 12.73 per cent.
Foreign investor sentiment was bullish after credit rating agency Moody’s said the landslide victory of BJP—led NDA in polls is credit positive for India as a stable central government is expected to address economic woes, traders say.
Nineteen scrips out of the 30-share Sensex pack ended higher while 11 others finished lower.
Second-tier stocks attracted heavy buying interest from retail investors and notched handsome gains. The BSE Smallcap and BSE Midcap indices closed up 4.19 per cent and 5.82 per cent respectively, outperforming the Sensex’s 1 per cent rise.
While the rising rupee cast its shadow on earnings of IT and Pharma sectors after the local currency surged to a 11-month high against the US dollar intra-day, rally in the markets was led by Power, Capital Goods, Realty, Metal and Oil shares.
Hefty buying by Foreign Institutional Investors — the main market mover — was seen across the board. FIIs bought shares worth Rs 3,634.82 crore last Friday as per provisional data.
Hopes of a stable and business-friendly government that will put growth back on track and kick start reforms, is driving markets higher, brokers said.
Besides, a clutch of foreign brokerages like Nomura and Goldman Sachs have upgraded Sensex/Nifty targets, they added.
