A benchmark index of Indian stock markets Thursday closed 1.19 percent up, as interest sensitive stocks rallied on expectation of a rate cut by the central bank Friday.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,459.33 points, closed at 19,735.77 points, up 1.19 percent or 231.59 points from its previous day close at 19,504.18 points.
The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) advanced 1.17 percent or 69.15 points at 5,999.35 points.
The information technology (IT) index was up 145.75 points, the capital goods index closed higher by 154.37 points and the bank index was up 168 points.