Sensex scales 27k mark, surges over 200 points

The benchmark BSE Sensex regained the 27,000 mark by climbing over 200 points in early trade today, extending its winning streak to the fifth straight day.

This came on the back of continued buying by participants amid a mixed trend in global markets after the US Fed kept its near-zero benchmark interest rate unchanged.

Besides, strengthening of the rupee by 25 paise at 63.87 against the dollar in early trade supported the rally.

The 30-share index surged 200.65 points, or 0.75 per cent, to trade above the 27,000 level at 27,033.31, with all sectoral indices led by healthcare, oil & gas, capital goods and consumer durables trading in the positive zone with gains of up to 1.04 per cent.

The gauge had gained 461.68 points in the past four straight sessions.

Also, the NSE index Nifty gained back the 8,100 mark by surging 45.75 points, or 0.57 per cent, at 8,137.30.

Brokers said a mixed trend in Asian markets, tracking overnight gains in US bourses after the US Fed kept its near-zero benchmark interest rate unchanged and Chairman Janet Yellen pledged a methodical approach to rate increase, influenced sentiment here.

Furthermore, above-normal monsoon so far and narrowing of the country's trade deficit perked up mood, they said.

Prominent gainers that supported the key indices were Cipla, RIl, ICICI Bank, Wipro and Axis Bank.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.12 per cent while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.60 per cent in early trade today.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.17 per cent higher in yesterday's trade.