Sensex crosses 23,000 points mark

Mumbai, May 9 (IANS) A benchmark index of Indian equities markets surged more than 650 points Friday to touch a new life time high of 23,048.49 points on the back of growing optimism that Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be able to form a stable government post general elections that end next week.

This is the first time that the 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) crossed 23,000 points in its history so far.

The Sensex, which opened at 22,374.98 points, ended the trade at 22,994.23 points (provisional), up 650.19 points or 2.91 percent from the previous day's close at 22,344.04 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 23,048.49 points and a low of 22,317.18 points in intra-day trade.

The rally was led by the banking, capital goods, oil and gas, auto and metal sectors, while marginal selling pressure was seen in healthcare sector.