Equity indices trade at new highs

Mumbai:Key Indian equity indices on Friday traded at record high levels during the mid-afternoon session as positive global cues and healthy buying in auto, consumer durables and banking stocks gave a boost to investors' sentiments.

The wider Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) reclaimed the 10,500-level and touched a fresh intra-day high level of 10,562.80 points -- surpassing its previous record of 10,552 points (December 29, 2017).

Around 12.45 p.m., the Nifty50 traded higher by 32.55 points and 0.31 per cent at 10,537.35 points.

The barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE too scaled a new intra-day high of 34,175.21 points -- crossing its previous intra-day high level of 34,137.97 points (December 29).

The Sensex, which opened at 34,021.27 points, traded at 34,106.98 points (around 12.45 p.m.) -- up 137.34 points or 0.40 per cent -- from its previous session's close.

The BSE market breadth was bullish as 1,794 stocks advanced as compared to 949 declines.

"Indian equities hit all time high on the last day's trade session of the week. Sentiments were supported by positive trend seen in the Asian markets after the Dow Industrials on the Wall Street broke above the 25,000 level for the first time overnight," Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls, told IANS.

On Thursday, the benchmark indices closed in the green as positive global cues, along with inflow of foreign funds lifted investors' risk-taking appetite.

The NSE Nifty50 rose by 61.60 points or 0.59 per cent to close at 10,504.80 points, while the BSE Sensex closed at 33,969.64 points -- up 176.26 points or 0.52 per cent.