The BSE 30-share index initially moved in a narrow range but later bounced to a high of 20,119.14 on rise in IIP data. It finally concluded at over three-and-a-half-month high of 20,082.62, a net rise of 143.58 points or 0.72 per cent.
Sensex had consistently been trading around 20,000-mark in the past few sessions. It finally closed above this key level on sustained buying by FIIs. Traders said overseas investors largely ignored data that showed for full 2012-13 fiscal, IIP slipped to 1 per cent -- the lowest since 1991-92.
Similarly, the 50-issue CNX Nifty of the NSE also rose by 44.60 points, or 0.74 per cent, to end at 2013-closing high of 6,094.75. The MCX-SX flagship index, SX40 closed up by 80.66 points, or 0.68 per cent, at 11,874.70.
Smart rise in key heavyweights like ITC, HDFC Bank, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, M&M, Maruti Suzuki and ONGC mainly supported the surge in the Sensex. Sectorally, auto, consumer durable, FMCG and banking stocks attracted good buying support while shares from power and metal segments suffered losses.
Global factors also supported the domestic markets. Asian stocks were mostly ended higher today with Japanese shares hitting fresh 5-year highs as US dollar's break above 100-yen level underpinned positive sentiment. European markets were also trading higher in early trade.