Indian equities, on Friday, maintained an upbeat momentum all through the day, and closed strongly, because of positive global signals, backed by firming trends of Asian markets.

The Sensex closed at 9.634.74, up 168.91 points after touching a high of 9,695.59 and a low of 9,540.60. In contrast, the broad-based NSE Nifty gained 55.30 points at 2,948.35 after hitting a high of 2,969.75 and a low of 2,896.85.

BSE Midcap and Smallcap index rose 1.51% and 0.62% respectively

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) benchmark Sensex closed the week strongly on account of strong global signals amid expectations of more sops and stimulus plans in the forthcoming interim budget to be declared on February 16.

Heavy buying activity seen across refinery, metal and bank stocks assisted Sensex to make a hefty gain of 210 points (up 2.31%) to end at 9300.86.

BSE Midcap and Smallcap index rallied smartly and rose 1.43% and 1.05% respectively.

Indian equities, which ended positively on Tuesday (Feb 03), belled today’s session on a higher note tracking global market trends and on expectations of an US economic stimulus plan.

The 30-share index, BSE Sensex opened after gaining 76.90 points, at 9,226.20.

Heavy buying interest has emerged in the majority of segments with metal, banking and capital goods leading the gains.

Equities opened on a firm note on the major Indian bourses today, following positive global sentiment ahead of January F&O expiry series.

Realty and banking stocks were among the most prominent gainers during the early trade. Metal, auto, capital goods and IT stocks have also recorded sharp gains.

Buying remained stock specific in FMCG and pharma stocks, while power and oil stocks remained subdued.

The Sensex continued to trade in the positive terrain on account of continued buying action witnessed across frontline stocks.

Auto, banking, FMCG, oil & gas stocks were the major gainers, while consumer durables went down. BSE Midcap and Smallcap index gained 0.48% and 0.68% respectively.

Indian stock market belled the day positively at 9,077.65 after gaining 73.57 points as against its last closure on Tuesday.

Indian stocks opened the day posi