Sensex up 123 points in late buying amid firm European mkts

Fag-end buying pushed up the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today by over 123 points amid firm European markets that gained on hopes of a solution to the Greek debt crisis.

After a weak opening, the Sensex moved up towards the close and wound up 123.43 points, or 0.70 per cent up at 17,830.75. Banking, metals and auto stocks led the gains.

The NSE 50-issue index Nifty rose 44.22 points, or 0.82 per cent to 5,412.35.

After dull trade, the last 30-minute buying emerged on firm openings in European markets ahead of a decision by central bankers and political leaders to finalise package to resolve debt crisis in Greece and the euro-zone.

Brokers said steady FII inflows kept the market strong.

Auto stocks gained on higher industry sales in January. The auto index gained 1.78 per cent. Bajaj Auto rose by 3.30 per cent and Tata Motors by 2.57 per cent.

IT stocks rose, led by Infosys which rose 1.39 per cent. Tata Consultancy Services was up 0.68 per cent.

The banking index gained 1.85 per cent, followed by metal index - up 2.05 per cent. The realty sector index rose by 1.95 per cent.