The BSE benchmark Sensex on Tuesday ended over 21 points higher on some buying in fundamentally strong stocks as investors remained hopeful of more reform measures by the government to boost the economy.
The Sensex, which had lost 79 points in the previous session, recovered by 21.07
points, or 0.11%, at 18,694.41.
Of 30 Sensex stocks, 12 gained while 18 closed lower. The BSE smallcap index rose by 0.53% to 6,903.15 and mid-cap index by 0.46% to 6,483.49.
Brokers said investors remained confident of government giving a further push to economic reforms, particularly after the Cabinet yesterday approved Rs. 1.9 lakh crore debt restructuring of state electricity boards.
Power sector stocks, led by Torrent Power, ended with gains. Torrent rose by 1.78% to Rs. 171.10, Adani Power was up 1.09% and Reliance Power 0.94%.
Brokers said mild profit-booking trimmed the gains but markets more or less were in buoyant mode.
The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 4.30 points, or 0.08% to 5,673.90 led by stocks of realty and FMCG.