Markets End in Green Above 18K Mark

Markets extended yesterday’s gains following global rally after a decision by International Energy Agency to increase oil supplies and a resolution over Greece debt crisis. Nifty made a gap up opening and moved higher after oil prices eased, relieving concerns of inflation. The index touched a high of 5,477 in the afternoon session led by rally in heavyweight ICICI Bank, Infosys and Larsen & Tourbo. The S&P CNX Nifty closed near day’s high at 5,471, up 151 points and the Sensex ended at 18,240, up 513 points. The market breadth is positive with 1984 advances as against 852 declines on the BSE. On the global front, European stocks climbed, rebounding from a three-month low, as European Union leaders vowed to support Greece if the nation passes further austerity measures. U.S. index futures and Asian shares advanced.