Sensex gains 177 points

A benchmark index of Indian equities markets, the 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex), provisionally closed Thursday's trade with healthy gains. It gained 177 points or 0.62 percent.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also provisionally closed with gains. It ended the day's trade up 63.90 points or 0.73 percent at 8,778.30 points.

The Sensex of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 28,858.42 points, closed the day's trade at 28,885.21 points (at 3.30 p.m.) -- up 177.46 points or 0.62 percent from the previous day's close at 28,707.75 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 28,906.71 points and a low of 28,622.44 points in the intra-day trade.