The BSE benchmark Sensex extended gains for the second straight day by rising over 269 points in early trade on Wednesday on buying by funds and retail investors, tracking a firming global trend.
The 30-share index, which had gained 285.37 points on Tuesday, rose further by 268.95 points, or 1.52 per cent, to trade above 18,000 points at 18,000.07.
All sectoral indices, led by realty and capital goods, were trading in positive zone with gains up to 2.60 per cent.
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The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 81.25 points, or 1.51 per cent, to 5,456.75.
Brokers said sustained buying by funds and retail investors amid a firming trend in other Asian markets, following overnight gains in the US markets, bolstered trading sentiment.
In addition, buying by participants ahead of gross domestic product (GDP) numbers for the third quarter of current fiscal to be announced later today also supported the rally, they said.
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Meanwhile, in Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose by 0.20 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei index was up by 0.69 per cent.
The U.S. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.18 per cent to reach highest level since May 2008 in Tuesday’s trade.