Sensex notches slim gains...Nifty ends at 5650

After taking a breather on Friday, the main Indian stock indices resumed their upswing on Monday, kicking off the week with modest gains. The equity indices began on a positive note with world markets cheering a surprise gain for the US manufacturing PMI. US markets ended with healthy gains on Friday, while Asian indices rose ~1-2% each. However, European markets were trading in the negative terrain after S&P's warning on the plans to rollover Greek debt.

The BSE Sensex ended at 18,814 adding 52 points. It had earlier touched a day's high of 18,942 and a day's low of 18,781. It opened at 18,896. The NSE Nifty closed at 5,651 adding 23 points.



The NSE Nifty remained in the positive terrain throughout the day, with index heavyweights like DLF, RCOM, Axis Bank, Gail and Tata Motors leading from the front. However, stocks like NTPC, ITC and TCS were among the major laggards.

Among the BSE sectoral indices, the BSE Realty index was the top gainer, surging 3.7%. The BSE Consumer Durables index was up 2% and the BSE Banking index gained 1%.

On the other hand, BSE Capital Goods and the BSE FMCG index declined 0.3% each.

The BSE Mid-Cap and the Small-Cap index added 1% each.

"A surprising jump in a US manufacturing sector gauge on Friday sent equities on Wall Street sharply higher. Most Asian markets traded with a positive bias. All eyes will be on the US monthly jobs data on Friday besides the interest rate decisions in the UK and eurozone.

For the Indian markets, the big near-term trigger will be the latest corporate results and the RBI's policy meeting later this month. Progress in the southwest monsoon, coupled with the trend in FII flows and possible positive surprise on the policy front will also have a bearing on the sentiment," says Amar Ambani, Head of Research, IIFL - India Private Clients.

The shares of Redington india,Infomedia 18 and Marico witnessed a spurt in trading volumes.

Reliance Infra, DLF andRCOMM were the top gainers while TCS, NTPC, ITC and L&T were among the toplosers.

Shares of HDFC Bank, Nestle,Asian Paints, Colgate-Palmolive, Trent, Emami and Cadila health reached a new high.