Markets leap to new highs helped by gains in pvt banks

Asian Paints was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 3 per cent, followed by Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever, IndusInd Bank, Infosys and HDFC Bank.

Equity benchmark Sensex jumped by another 221 points to scale a new closing high of 52,773 on Tuesday, propelled by gains in index majors Reliance, Infosys, and HDFC twins amid largely positive global cues.

At the closing bell, the 30-share BSE index quoted 221.52 points or 0.42 per cent higher at 52,773.05.

Likewise, the broader NSE Nifty rose 57.40 points or 0.36 per cent to settle at a fresh high of 15,869.25.

Asian Paints was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 3 per cent, followed by Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever, IndusInd Bank, Infosys and HDFC Bank.

On the other hand, Bajaj Finserv, Dr Reddy's, Titan, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finance and PowerGrid were among the laggards.

Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in Tokyo and Seoul ended on a positive note, while Shanghai and Hong Kong were in the red.

Meanwhile, the rupee slipped 2 paise to close at 73.31 against the US dollar.

Photograph: Savita Kirloskar/Reuters