Fag-end buying pushed up the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex on Thursday by over 123 points amid firm European markets that gained on hopes of a solution to the Greek debt crisis.
After a weak opening, the Sensex moved up towards the close and wound up 123.43 points, or 0.70% up at 17,830.75. Banking, metals and auto stocks led the gains.
The NSE 50-issue index Nifty rose 44.22 points, or 0.82% to 5,412.35.
After dull trade, the last 30-minute buying emerged on firm openings in European markets ahead of a decision by central bankers and political leaders to finalise package to resolve debt crisis in Greece and the euro-zone.
Brokers said steady FII inflows kept the market strong.
Auto stocks gained on higher industry sales in January. The auto index gained 1.78%. Bajaj Auto rose by 3.30% and Tata Motors by 2.57%.
IT stocks rose, led by Infosys which rose 1.39%. Tata Consultancy Services was up 0.68%.
The banking index gained 1.85%, followed by metal index - up 2.05%. The realty sector index rose by 1.95%.