Sensex hits new high of 22,576.50; Nifty reaches 6,740.05

 The benchmark BSE Sensex gained over 130 points to hit a fresh high of 22,576.50 in early trade today on continued capital inflows by funds and retailers, tracking firm global cues.

Hitting a new record-high for the eighth straight session, the 30-share barometer surged by 130.06 points, or 0.58 per cent, to hit 22,576.50, surpassing its previous high of 22,485.77 reached yesterday.

All the sectoral indices, led by consumer durables, capital goods, auto and banking were trading in the positive zone with gains up to 0.98 per cent.

On similar lines, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty continued its winning streak to hit a new high of 6740.05, rising 19.00 points, or 0.28 per cent.

Brokers said trading sentiments remained positive as foreign investors indulged in pumping more funds into Indian equities amid a firming trend in the Asian region, following overnight gains in the US markets on positive manufacturing data.

Besides, RBI keeping key rates unchanged also influenced the trading sentiments, they said.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose by 0.15 per cent while Japan's Nikkei gained 1.48 per cent in early trade today.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.46 per cent higher in yesterday's trade.