The BSE 30-share Sensex belled the day marginally higher today, prior to the declaration of the federal budget for 2010-11.

The index started the day at 16,255.33 and shortly climbed up to 16,335.03, before hovering near 16,315.16 points, after gaining 60.96 points over the previous close.

The overall breadth of the stock market ahead of the budget was optimistic with just two out of the thirteen sector-specific indices - those for technology and IT scrips- in the negative zone.

All other stock indices, headed by that for oil and gas, were trading in the positive zone.

On Thursday, Sensex ended the day at 16,254.2 points, down 1.77 points from its last close in spite of some strong numbers for the country's development figured by the annual Economic Survey.

The administration will declare Q3 December 2009 GDP numbers today. The GDP grew by a strong 7.9% in Q2 September 2009.

Relating to Union Budget 2010-2011, market hopes are that the administration will declare increase in excise duties as an initial step in the direction of a gradual winding down of fiscal stimulus measures. It may also lift the service tax rate to 12% from 10%. (With Input from Agencies)