Sensex up 340 points, August series begins on positive note

The benchmark BSE Sensex spurted by over 340 points to 28,045.97 in noon trade on Friday on continued across-the-board buying by participants as the August series in the derivatives segment began on a positive note.

The 30-share index, which had gained 246.12 points in the previous two sessions, was up by 340.62 points or 1.23 per cent to 28,045.97 (12.20 pm) with the equities markets led by realty, healthcare and auto, were trading in positive zone.
On similar lines, the NSE Nifty was trading higher by 91.90 points or 1.09 per cent at 8,513.70 at 12.23 pm. Brokers said widening of positions by participants, following beginning of the August F&O series and a firming trend at other Asian markets influenced trading sentiments.
Among other Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei gained 0.12 per cent while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 0.44 per cent in early trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.03 per cent lower in Thursday’s trade.