Sensex up 130 points on firm Asian cues

The benchmark BSE Sensex surged by 130 points in morning trade on Monday on buying in capital goods, realty, refinery, banking and metal sector stocks, triggered by firm Asian cues amid fresh capital inflows from foreign funds.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 2,977.62 crore last Friday, as per provisional data from the stock exchanges.

The Sensex resumed higher at 24,368.96 and firmed up further to 24,388.15, before quoting at 24,347.82 at 1000 hrs, showing a gain of 130.48 points, or 0.54%, from its last weekend's level.

The NSE Nifty also moved up by 39.25 points, or 0.54%, to 7,269.20 at 1000 hrs.

Major gainers were Larsen (4.78%), Bharti Airtel (2.05%), Hindalco Ind (1.86%), Gail India (1.66%), HDFC (1.33%), Infosys (1.33%), ONGC (1.12%) and Bajaj Auto (1.11%).

Asian stocks advanced in early trade today after a gauge of China's manufacturing expanded at the fastest pace this year. Key benchmark indices in Japan, Singapore and South Korea were up between 0.1-1.79%. Stock markets in China, Hong Kong and New Zealand are closed today for holidays.