Date:19/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/19/stories/2006091903951500.htm

Business

Sensex gains further ground

MUMBAI: In volatile trading, the Bombay Stock Exchange bellwhether, Sensex, on Monday gained further ground and closed 61.71 points higher at 12071.30 due to increased buying in pivotal shares. Both foreign and domestic funds were said to be the major buyers.

The BSE-30 share sensitive index started marginally weak at 12006.19 against last Friday's close of 12009.59, but soon shot up on heavy buying and hit the intra-day high of 12114.95. Later, as prices of select heavyweight shares declined, the index fell and closed at 12071.30, still showing a good gain of 61.71 points.

Similarly, on the National Stock Exchange, the S&P CNX Nifty improved by 14.15 points to 3492.75. Foreign institutional investors continued to remain heavy buyers and were reportedly picked up shares worth Rs. 491.50 crore on Thursday last after buying equities worth Rs. 519.40 crore in cash on Wednesday. Meanwhile, international crude oil prices were higher in Asian trade on Monday as the market consolidated positions after recent sharp falls, dealers said. — PTI