Sensex ends at 2-1/2-year high; FMCG shares rally

MUMBAI (Reuters) - The BSE Sensex rose nearly 1 percent on Tuesday to mark its highest close in 2-1/2 years as consumer goods shares rallied to record highs with investors shifting to defensive stocks in an uncertain economic environment.

ITC Ltd rose 1.88 percent, while Hindustan Unilever Ltd ended 3.11 percent higher.

The BSE Sensex gained 0.71 percent, rising for a fifth consecutive day, while the 50-share Nifty ended up 0.76 percent.

(Reporting by Abhishek Vishnoi; Editing by Jijo Jacob)