Equity benchmark Sensex gained 37 points on August 18, tracking gains in major indexes Kotak Bank, L&T and Bharti Airtel amid largely negative trend in global markets.
After a largely choppy session, the 30-share BSE index closed 37.87 points or 0.06% higher at 60,298 after starting trading on a weak note. During the day it touched a high of 60,341.41 and a low of 59,946.44.
This is the fifth consecutive session of the benchmark.
The broader NSE Nifty closed 12.25 points or 0.07% higher at 17,956.50.
From the Sensex pack, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Larsen & Toubro, Bharti Airtel, UltraTech Cement, Power Grid, IndusInd Bank, State Bank of India and ITC were among the gainers.
On the other hand, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Wipro, Infosys, Mahindra & Mahindra, Axis Bank and Nestle were among the laggards.
In Asia, markets in Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong closed lower.
European markets were trading mixed during mid-session deals. Shares on Wall Street closed lower on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, international oil benchmark Brent crude was trading 1.41% higher at $94.97 a barrel.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers in the Indian capital market as they bought shares worth Rs 2,347.22 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
“Fed Minutes suggest continuation of hawkish stance and this may slightly impact sentiments in mother market, US. But unlikely to impact bullish sentiments in India as FII withdrawal has affected market mood and bulls.” Now calling the shots,” said VK Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist, Geojit Financial Services.