Strong buying interest in key technology heavyweights, supported by improved global growth prospects pushed the benchmark CNX Nifty to close above the psychological 6,300-mark on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
The 50-share Nifty hovered between a high of 6,324.90 and a low of 6,289.40, before finishing at 6,313.80, showing a healthy gain of 34.90 points, or 0.56 per cent, despite relatively thin trading volumes.
Firm undertone in global financial markets fuelled by year-end-rally and solid underpin of an economic recovery in US, the world's largest economy mainly bolstered domestic investors' confidence.
US stocks were consistently making new highs for the fifth consecutive session on the back of better-than-expected macro data and easing of taper uncertainty.
The market surge was spearheaded by technology stocks even as FMCG, healthcare, financials, metal and infra surged.
Energy and auto counters, however, bucked the overall trend and slipped.
Trading began on a modestly positive note with a strong uptick on frontline blue-chip stocks in the midst of global buoyancy and managed to hold back its gains till the end-session.
Most Asian and emerging markets rallied with Japan's Nikkei topping fresh six-year high cheered by yet another record close on Wall Street following robust US macro economic data as well as strong unemployment report while European stocks were trading higher in early trade after the two-day Christmas close led the German blue-chip index DAX, which hit a record high on easing euro-zone concerns.
Shares of power-related stocks witnessed huge buying interest following environment ministry's latest move to ease environment clearance process for the industry.
TCS, NMDC, Kotak Bank, Cipla, Wipro, PNB, HDFC, Cairn, ACC and Infosys were among the prominent index stock gainers.
Key losers included JP Associates, Maruti, Reliance, Asian Paint, Ultracemco, Bajaj Auto, BPCL, Heromotoco, BHEL and Tata Power.
Turnover in the cash segment dropped to Rs 8,749.23 crore from Rs 12,458.25 crore yesterday. A total of 5,811.39 lakh shares changed hands in 48,29,466 trades, while market capitalisation stood at Rs 68,63,804 crore.
