Also ahead there is SEBI''s decision on participatory notes. Capital goods, metals and oil & gas stocks were attracting attention. IT, FMCG and auto stocks were subdued today.

Midcap index ended inline with the frontline indices and was up over 1.3% and the smallcap index was up 1.4%.

Sensex was up 257.98 points or 1.39% at 18770.89, and the Nifty up 72.80 points or 1.32% at 5568.95.

About 1729 shares have advanced, 1247 shares declined, and 80 shares are unchanged.

BSE metal index is up over 4%, followed by auto, capital goods, oil & gas and bankex.

FMCG, IT and pharma indices were trading weak in the negative terrain.