<p>The BSE benchmark Sensex today closed 85 points higher led by gains in bluechips, including RIL and HUL, on sustained buying by funds on some capital inflows, amid a firm trend overseas.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The 30-share index commenced the day's trade on a bullish note at 19,616.89 but lost most of the early gains and settled just 84.98 points, or 0.44 per cent higher at 19,495.82. Sensex had gained over 233 points yesterday.<br /><br />Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty gained 30.95 points, or 0.53 per cent, to close at 5,867.90. Also, SX40 index, the flagship index of MCX-SX, closed 60.3 points, or 0.52 per cent higher at 11,625.88.<br /><br />Brokers said the market remained firm as market heavyweights Reliance Industries surged and Hindustan Unilever climbed to record high after Anglo-Dutch parent company Unilever Plc said it has increased its stake in it.<br /><br />A firming trend on other Asian bourses and higher opening in European markets as investors awaited data on the US job data also boosted the trading sentiment here, they added.<br /><br />Sugar stocks were also back in demand following reports that the government is planning to hike import duty to discourage arrivals from overseas markets.<br /><br />Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors continued lapping up domestic equities and pumped in over Rs 164.56 crore yesterday, as per BSE provisional data.<br /><br />Out of the 30 BSE index components, 16 stocks ended higher led by Jindal Steel rising 3.51 per cent to close at Rs 223.90.<br /><br />Among other major gainers, RIL rose by 2.15 per cent to Rs 880.20 and HUL by 1.40 per cent to Rs 609.15.<br /><br />Sectorally, the oil and gas sector index gained the most by rising 1.49 per cent to 8,915.96, followed by FMCG index by 0.89 per cent to 6,845.94.</p>
<p>The BSE benchmark Sensex today closed 85 points higher led by gains in bluechips, including RIL and HUL, on sustained buying by funds on some capital inflows, amid a firm trend overseas.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The 30-share index commenced the day's trade on a bullish note at 19,616.89 but lost most of the early gains and settled just 84.98 points, or 0.44 per cent higher at 19,495.82. Sensex had gained over 233 points yesterday.<br /><br />Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty gained 30.95 points, or 0.53 per cent, to close at 5,867.90. Also, SX40 index, the flagship index of MCX-SX, closed 60.3 points, or 0.52 per cent higher at 11,625.88.<br /><br />Brokers said the market remained firm as market heavyweights Reliance Industries surged and Hindustan Unilever climbed to record high after Anglo-Dutch parent company Unilever Plc said it has increased its stake in it.<br /><br />A firming trend on other Asian bourses and higher opening in European markets as investors awaited data on the US job data also boosted the trading sentiment here, they added.<br /><br />Sugar stocks were also back in demand following reports that the government is planning to hike import duty to discourage arrivals from overseas markets.<br /><br />Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors continued lapping up domestic equities and pumped in over Rs 164.56 crore yesterday, as per BSE provisional data.<br /><br />Out of the 30 BSE index components, 16 stocks ended higher led by Jindal Steel rising 3.51 per cent to close at Rs 223.90.<br /><br />Among other major gainers, RIL rose by 2.15 per cent to Rs 880.20 and HUL by 1.40 per cent to Rs 609.15.<br /><br />Sectorally, the oil and gas sector index gained the most by rising 1.49 per cent to 8,915.96, followed by FMCG index by 0.89 per cent to 6,845.94.</p>