The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex regained the magical 19,000 points mark in opening trade on Friday, extending its winning streak for the seventh straight session by gaining over 185 points on increased buying amid a firming trend on other Asian bourses.
The 30-share BSE index, which has gained over 1,297 points in the previous six trading sessions, moved up further by 185.51 points to 19,031.38 in opening trade, with realty, metal, oil and gas and information technology stocks rising.
In a similar fashion, the wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index regained the 5,700-level by gaining 58.40 points to 5,705.80.
Brokers attributed the rise in stock prices to increased buying by funds and retail investors following a fall in food inflation and easing concerns about the European debt crisis.
The sentiment was further boosted by the firming trend on other Asian bourses following overnight gains in the US market.
Japan’s Nikkei index was trading 0.48 per cent higher in early trade, while financial markets in Hong Kong were closed for a public holiday. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.25 per cent higher in Thursday’s trade.
Keywords: Sensex, opening trade