Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities Thursday closed 241 points higher, as a buying trend picked up strength in the last hour of trade. Gainers were led by auto, IT and banking stocks.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE Thursday opened at 16,387.91 points, and closed at 16,687.26 points (provisional), up 241.24 points or 1.47 percent from its previous close at 16,446.02 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also ended higher, 1.39 percent up at 5,014.75 points.
Broader markets also saw some gains with the BSE 100 index closing 1.22 percent higher. However, the BSE midcap and small cap indices ended flat.