The Sensex opened on a positive note following encouraging global cues ahead of Rail Budget scheduled later today. Realty, metal and banking stocks edged higher.
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav is likely to slash fares and announce new trains in the wake of upcoming general elections.
Asian stocks gained, led by banks and consumer companies, on speculation the US. will provide relief for homeowners and after retail sales in the world`s biggest economy unexpectedly increased.
BSE Midcap and Smallcap index rose 1.15% and 0.95% respectively.
Indian stock market belled the day on a positive terrain after a fall of 1.59% on the previous working day. The 30-share index, BSE Sensex opened with a gain of 74.77 points, at 9,540.60 on Friday.
In the previous day session, the Sensex settled with a loss of 152.71 points, or 1.59%, while the NSE Nifty declined by 32.65 points, or 1.12%.
Currently, the 30-share index Sensex is trading up 74.77 points, or 0.79%, at 9,540.60, after touching a high of 9,540.60 and a low of 9,540.60. Meanwhile the broad based Nifty is trading higher by 42.55 points, or 1.47%, at 2,935.60, after hitting a high of 2,939.40 and a low of 2,896.85. (09.59 a.m.)
Overall market breadth is positive. Out of the total 681 stocks traded at BSE, 566 advanced, 107 declined while 8 remained unchanged.
Biggest gainers in the 30-share index were Jaiprakash Associates (3.01%), Reliance Energy (2.62%), Wipro (2.11%), Tata Steel (2.02%), Reliance Capital (1.92%), and Sterlite Industries (India) (1.78%).
