Sensex ends 147 points higher; Infosys up over 1%

Sensex pared some gains to end 147.37 points, higher at 41,599.72. The broader Nifty scaled its life-time (intra-day) high of 12,311.20, before ending 40.90 points, or 0.33 per cent, higher at 12,256.80.

Mumbai: The BSE benchmark Sensex settled 147 points higher on Friday, tracking gains in index-heavyweights HDFC Bank and Infosys ahead of the earnings season.

After rallying 323 points during the day, the 30-share BSE index pared some gains to end 147.37 points or 0.36 per cent, higher at 41,599.72.

The broader Nifty scaled its life-time (intra-day) high of 12,311.20, before ending 40.90 points, or 0.33 per cent, higher at 12,256.80.

Top gainers and losers

Infosys was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising 1.47 per cent, ahead of its quarterly results, scheduled for release after market hours.

Other gainers included Ultratech Cement, Maruti, Kotak Bank, Asian Paints and HUL.

ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Titan and Bharti Airtel were among the losers, shedding up to 1.11 per cent.

According to traders, the focus has now shifted to quarterly earnings and the Union Budget. Investors are expecting measures from the government to revive the economy which has led to broad-based participation inequities.

Further, easing geopolitical tensions have also kept the market mood upbeat, they said.

Brent crude oil futures slipped 0.31 per cent to USD 65.17 per barrel.

The rupee appreciated 18 paise to 71.03 per US dollar (intra-day).

Bourses in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul ended up to 0.91 per cent higher, while Shanghai closed with losses.

European markets started on a tepid note.

Gold slides by Rs 80, silver falls Rs 200

Gold prices fell by Rs 80 to Rs 40,554 per 10 gram in the national capital on Friday amid muted international trend and a stronger rupee, according to HDFC Securities.

Silver also declined by Rs 200 to Rs 47,695 per kg from Rs 47,895 per kg in the previous trade.