The benchmark BSE Sensex today rose by 87 points to close at all-time high of 21,337.67 on buying sentiment buoyed by promising corporate earnings and hopes of a rate cut next week by the Reserve Bank.
The 30-share BSE barometer moved in a narrow range till later afternoon deals. But buying at the fag-end lifted Sensex to its life-time closing high of 21,337.67, a rise of 86.55 points or 0.41 per cent, completing three straight days of gains.
In thee sessions, the key index has jumped by 247.05 points or 1.30 pct.
The previous closing high was 21,326.42 points, recorded on December 9, 2013.
Jignesh Chaudhary, Head Of Research, Veracity Broking Services, however, said: "Markets are going to follow a cautious approach in trading ahead of RBI policy review meet scheduled on January 28."
Buying interest in RIL, Sun Pharma, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, HUL, M&M mainly kept market tempo upbeat.
Broader 50-issue NSE Nifty also improved by 25.15 points to log its second highest closing of 6,338.95. Its record closing high was 6,363.90 points on December 9, 2013.
Major Sensex gainers were Sun Pharma at 2.85 per cent, Tata Steel 2.28 per cent, Hindalco Ind 2.04 per cent, Bharti Airtel 1.56 per cent, NTPC 1.38 per cent, M&M 1.25 per cent, Dr Reddy's Lab 1.17 per cent, Cipla 1.15 per cent and Wipro 1.04 per cent.
SBI, however, eased by 0.77 per cent, while Larsen lost 0.65 per cent and Hero Motocorp 0.60 per cent.
Better third quarter results by corporates and positive global cues boosted investor sentiment, a trader said.
The market breadth continued to remain positive as 1,407 stocks rose, 1,272 declined and 156 ruled steady. Total turnover moved up further to Rs 1,905.14 crs from Rs 1,888.43 crore yesterday.
