Equities Open Strong: Sensex Nears Record High

Mumbai: Key indices rise dramatically in early trade as banking and metal segments moved up. Real estate shares carried on their upward movement and FMCG appealed buying interest. Worldwide indications were also helpful of the uptrend.

The National Stock Exchange’s Nifty stood at 4568.5, higher by 39 points or 0.87 per cent from its last closure. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex gained 155 points at 15,769.43.

The major Sensex gainers were ICICI Bank (up 1.83%), Grasim Industries (1.4%), Satyam Computer (1.35%), Dr Reddy's Laboratories (1.32%), Reliance Energy (1.29%) and Tata Motors (1.24%).

Hindustan Unilever was down 0.33 per cent. It was the only laggard in the rally.

The overall market breadth was positive, which showed 1049 advancements as against 161 declinations, while on NSE, 764 shares gained and 139 fell.