Sensex, Nifty scales new peak in morning trade

Mumbai - The benchmark NSE Nifty rose nearly 71.60 points to hit new record of 8,473.50 and the BSE Sensex climbed over 230.97 points to trade at 28,298.53; in early trade on Friday on increased buying by foreign funds and retail investors amid a mixed trend at other Asian bourses.

The Nifty was quoted higher by 59.75 points, or 0.71 per cent, to new life-time high of 8,461.65, surpassing previous high of 8,455.65 touched on November 19.

The 30-share index, which had gained 34.71 points in the previous session, rose by 187.29 points, or 0.66 per cent, to 28,254.85 with banking, consumer durables, healthcare, metal, auto and oil & gas stocks leading the gains.

Brokers said sentiment remained upbeat as foreign funds and retail investors enlarged their positions in anticipation of further economic reforms amid record closing on the US markets on positive economic indicators.

Shares of Kotak Mahindra Bank and ING Vysya Bank continued their upward journey and gathered 7.23 and 3.22 per cent respectively amid merger reports.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a new record-high by rising 0.19 per cent in yesterday's trade.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.17 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei fell 0.78 per cent in early trade today. (PTI)