Sensex up 113 points, regains 20,000 level

Market analysts attributed the last-minute buying to investors covering their long positions on the last day of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment.

Fag-end buying helped the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark index Sensex today rise by 113 points to regain the 20,000-level.

The 30-share Sensex, which had dipped below the 32-month high level of 20,000 in the previous session, ended with a gain of 112.78 points at 20,069.12.

The broad-based National Stock Exchange benchmark index Nifty also regained the crucial 6,000 points level by adding 38.65 points to 6,029.95.

Market analysts attributed the last-minute buying to investors covering their long positions on the last day of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment.

They further said that buying in the last 30 minutes reduced the impact of a weakening global trend, rising inflation and a crucial judgement on long pending disputed Ayodhya case.

The benchmark has gained by nearly 10.7 per cent in September, boosted by heavy foreign fund investment.

Software exporter Infosys Technologies maintained its upward march by adding Rs. 11.80 at close at Rs. 3,041.

The FMCG index gained the most at 1.40 per cent to end at 3,719.54. The metal sector index was second best performer 0.82 per cent.

In the 30-share BSE index, 19 shares closed with gains while eleven, including Reliance Industries ended in red.