Indian equity markets were elevated to new high levels on Thursday by positive global cues, expected reforms to deal with banking sector's woes and short-covering triggered on account of May futures and options contracts expiry.

A healthy rise in firms like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Infosys led the two key indices - the NSE Nifty and S&P BSE Sensex - to close at record peaks after making fresh 52-week intraday highs.

The wider 51-scrip NSE Nifty reclaimed its psychologically-important 9,500 mark, and closed at 9,509.75 points - up 149.20 points or 1.59 per cent - a new closing high. The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE surged by 448.39 points or 1.48 per cent to close at a new high of 30,750.03 points. The Nifty touched a new intra-day high of 9,523.30 points, while the Sensex hit 30,793.43 points.

"Markets rallied sharply higher on Thursday on the back of the derivative expiry. Positive global stocks boosted sentiment the domestic bourses," Deepak Jasani, head of retail research at HDFC Securities, told IANS. "Broad market indices like the BSE mid-cap and small-cap, too, rose with healthy gains."

The S&P BSE mid-cap index rose by 1.35 per cent and the small-cap index by 2.01 per cent.

Anand James, chief market strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said: "An indication of a gradual rate hike in the FOMC [Federal Open Market Committee] minutes gave impetus to the global indices, which instilled energy in the domestic markets. Decline in the VIX [Volatility Index] also bolstered sentiments."

"Banks' swing higher was solid, as traders cut short positions with expectations rising on NPA [non-performing assets] resolution measures shortly. Consumer goods and agro-based sectors have also started to show strength, which is expected to continue."

Source: Khaleej Times