The S&P BSE benchmark Sensex scaled a new historic high at 21,293.88 in the late morning trade on the back of persistent buying in realty, banking, auto and capital goods shares, triggered by sustained foreign inflows into the equity market.
The 30-share index opened up at 21,158.81 and firmed up to hit an all-time high at 21,293.88 before quoting at 21,219.15 at 1030 hours, showing a rise of 54.63 points, or 0.26 per cent, from its last close.
The Sensex surpassed its previous record high of 21,206.77 touched on January 10, 2008.
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The NSE 50-share Nifty also moved up by 5.65 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 6,304.80 at 1030 hours.
Major gainers were Hero Motors (2.31 pct), Coal India (1.95 pct), SBI (1.82 pct), BHEL (1.17 pct), Tata Motors (1.17 pct) and Jindal Steel (1.06 pct).
The market sentiment was boosted by data showing that foreign funds made massive purchases yesterday. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs. 1,875.87 crore on Thursday, as per provisional data from the stock exchanges.
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Most Asian stock markets fell in their early trade as speculation the U.S. Federal Reserve will reduce stimulus in coming months overshadowed improving China manufacturing data.
Key benchmark indices in Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and Singapore shed between 0.27 pct and 1.22 pct, while those in China, Hong Kong and South Korea rose between 0.01 pct and 0.3 pct.