Sensex, Nifty hit new record high in opening trade

The BSE Sensex hit a new lifetime intraday high of 34,565.63 in opening session today, extending its record-setting spree for a fourth session on buying by domestic investors ahead of quarterly results by blue chips.

The 30-share index rose by 122.44 points, or 0.35 percent, to hit a new peak of 34,565.63, surpassing its previous record (intra-session) of 34,488.03 points hit yesterday.

The gauge had gained almost 650 points in previous four sessions to close at a record high at 34,443.19 in yesterday's session.

Sectoral indices, led by healthcare, realty, teck, oil & gas, IT and infrastrcuture, were leading the gains.

The 50-share NSE Nifty gained 18.50 points, or 0.17 percent, to quote at 10,655.50. The gauge touched an intra-day high of 10,659.15 and closed at record high of 10,637 yesterday. Major gainers were ONGC, Coal India, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, Adani Ports, Reliance Industries, Power Grid, ITC Ltd, Dr Reddy's, SBI, Infosys, NTPC and TCS, rising by up to 1.40 percent.

Brokers said fresh buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and retail investors ahead of third quarterly earnings by bluechip companies lifted the flagship Sensex to new highs.

Besides, a firm trend in global markets also boosted sentiments, they said.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.21 percent, while Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.24 percent in early trade today. Japan's Nikkei, however, fell 0.22 percent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at new records ahead of key earnings reports.