Sensex hits record high

Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Wednesday hit a record high of 25,788.40 points on upcoming budget optimism.

Budget is to be presented July 10.

All the sectors were trading in green. The rally was led by metal, capital goods, banking, consumer durables and healthcare sectors.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 25,660.57 points, was trading at 25,788.11 points in the early session, up 271.76 points or 1.07 percent from the previous day's close at 25,516.35 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 25,788.40 points and a low of 25,660.16 points in trade. The S&P BSE metal index surged by 245.67 points, capital goods index gained by 234.91 points, bankex went up by 210.47 points, consumer durables index moved up by 109.25 points and healthcare index inched up by 136.57points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also surged and was trading at 63.05 points or 0.83 percent up at 7,697.75 points.