Sensex regains 19K level; ends with a new high

The benchmark Sensex regained 19,000 points level on the Bombay Stock Exchange on Friday on aggressive buying by funds, discounting the market regulator's move yesterday's to restrict foreign funds inflow, and closed at a new peak of over 19,243 points.

The Sensex, which had plummeted in past few sessions from record 19,000 points level, bounced back by 472.28 points to 19,243.17, another record peak set in today's trade, surpassing the previous closing record set on October 15.

It touched the day's high of 19,276.45 and a low of 18,629.53 points.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index shot up by 133.35 points at 5702.30, after touching a high of 5716.90 and a low of 5513.35 points.

Marketmen said the trading activity picked up in later half of the day after the Finance Minister P Chidambaram said moves to restrict foreign investment in stocks yesterday were aimed at slowing capital flows from overseas that have caused a spurt in shares and the currency.

Capital goods stocks were the star performers as the segment index gained 1226.02 points at 18,540.15 followed by Bank segment index by 349.42 points at 10273.53.