The Hindu Business Line : Sensex ends past 15,000 as govt unveils agenda

MUMBAI: Reversing its early weak trends, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex on Thursday regained the 15,000 point level after nine months by rising nearly 138 points after the government unveiled its reforms plan to tackle the economic slowdown.

The 30-share index, which had lost 1.8 per cent in the opening session, rebounded with a gain of 137.78 points at 15,008.68, a level last seen in September last year. It touched the day's high of 15,026.03 points.

Similarly, the 50-share National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 41.95 points to 4,572.65, after touching the day's high of 4,582.20.

Marketmen said trading sentiment turned bullish after President Ms Pratibha Patil presented the agenda of the UPA government in Parliament.

They said government data showing a fall in inflation and a firm start in European stock markets this afternoon also boosted trading sentiment.

The President said the new government will focus on adversely-affected sectors like infrastructure, exports, small and medium enterprises, and housing. The pension and financial sectors and disinvestment in PSUs would be priority areas for the UPA govern ment, she said.

The rally was backed by shares of the realty, capital goods, healthcare, power and banking sectors.- PTI

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