After touching new peak, Sensex closes at 9,640

Driven by ever increasing liquidity into the bourses, the Sensex hit yet another new peak at 9,680.92.

Driven by ever increasing liquidity into the bourses, the Sensex on Friday hit yet another new peak at 9,680.92.

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The market valuations remained attractive amid strong economic fundamentals coupled with expectations of encouraging quarterly results.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Benchmark 30-share Index (Sensex) scaled a new record intra-trade high of 9,680.92 before ending the day at 9,640.29 against Thursday's close of 9,617.74, a net rise of 22.55 points or 0.23 per cent.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) as well as retail investors were believed to be buyers in several blue chips.

India has become an important investment destination for global investors with a better-than-expected growth in the economy as well as excellent corporate performance, brokers said adding "foreign funds remained consistent buyers after making record investments during last year."

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) reported net investments of Rs 1,856 crore in equity in the first three days of the new calendar year, showing increased confidence and interest in Indian economy compared to other countries.

The market too was considered healthy for investments with attractive valuations and timely corrections while the inflows remained unabated.

Blue chip counters like ONGC, HDFC, HDFC Bank, Satyam Computer, BHEL, Tata Steel, Herio Honda, Bharti Tele-Venture, Hindalco and Ranbaxy recorded handsome gains.

However, RIL, SBI, ICICI Bank, Grasim, HLL, L&T, TCS Ltd, Cipla and Bajaj Auto registered marked falls mitigating the Sensex upsurge.