Sensex Gains 269 Points, Reaches 18k Level

Mumbai: The BSE benchmark Sensex extended gains for the second straight day by rising over 269 points in early trade on buying by funds and retail investors, tracking a firming global trend. The 30-share index, which had gained 285.37 points yesterday, rose further by 268.95 points, or 1.52%, 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%. The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 81.25 points, or 1.51%, 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 on Wednesday also supported the rally, they said. Meanwhile, in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose by 0.20%, while Japan's Nikkei index was up by 0.69%. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.18% to reach highest level since May 2008 in Tuesday's trade.