Sensex up 206 points to log all-time new high of 21,751

The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex logged an all-time record high of 21,751 in morning trade today on heavy buying spree by funds and retail investors amid upbeat domestic sentiment coupled with firm Asian cues. All-round hectic buying was seen led mainly by realty, power, oil & gas, metal and banking counters.

Strong FII buying and optimism over political front after general election and improving macro scenario bolstering the investors sentiment. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1,272.93 crore yesterday, as per provisional data from the stock exchanges. The 30-share index Sensex resumed higher at 21,539.44 and surged further to new all-time high of 21,752.26 before quoting at 21,751.67 at 1015 hours, showing a sharp gain of 237.80 points, or 1.11 % from its last close.

The NSE 50-share barometer Nifty also gained 74.55 points, or 1.16%, to 6,475.70 at 1015 hours. Major gainers were - L&T 5.62 pct, ICICI Bank 4.00. SBI 3.85 pct, Bharti Airtel 3.52 pct, BHEL 2.84 pct and RIL 2.19 pct. Asian shares rose early today, as investors looked towards the US non-farm payrolls report later for confirmation of US employment data. Key benchmark indices in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Taiwan were up 0.01 to 0.56 per cent, while key benchmark indices in China and Hong Kong fell 0.02 to 0.28 %.