Sensex up 111 pts as Bihar exit polls predict close fight

The benchmark BSE Sensex recovered over 111 points to 26,415.52 and the NSE Nifty regained the 8,000-mark in cautious trade today as exit polls showed the NDA giving a tough fight to JDU-led alliance in Bihar.

The 30-share index rose by 111.32 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 26,415.52. The gauge had lost 286.39 points in the previous two sessions.

In a similar manner, the NSE Nifty regained the 8,000-level by rising 47.20 points, or 0.59 per cent, to 8,002.65.

All the sectoral indices, led by IT, consumer durables and power, were trading in the positive terrain with gains up to 0.81 per cent.

Brokers said sentiment influenced following exit polls at the end of five-phased polling in Bihar assembly elections predicted a close fight with majority of them giving an edge to the Grand Alliance of JDU-RJD-Congress over the BJP-led NDA grouping.

Besides, a mixed trend at other Asian markets too had positive impact on the domestic market here, they said.

Among other Asian markets, Japan's NIkkei index was up 0.47 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index shed 0.87 per cent in morning trade. Shanghai Composite index up 0.36 per cent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.02 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.