Sensex closes above 15,000; auto, banks, metals support

The Sensex recouped almost all of its Wednesday's loss and closed strong. Positive global cues helped the markets to stay on the higher side throughout the day. China's Shanghai outperformed other markets and closed 4.52% higher at 2,911.582. Other Asian markets were up 1.5-2% barring Taiwan Weighted.

At the time of closing of Indian equities, European markets were trading 1.5% higher while US index futures up 0.5% each. Rise in commodities prices also supported the markets; Crude was trading above $ 72 a barrel and base metals were up 0.5-1.5%.

However, the profit booking at higher levels erased some gains in the late trade; the Sensex slipped 132.68 points and the Nifty 39 points from the day's high of 15,145 and 4492.80, respectively. Reliance Industries was the main culprit followed by L&T; they were 1.4% and 2.4% off from their highs. Bharti Airtel fell 1.34%, as sources said the company-MTN extended exclusivity period to September 30. Tata Motors, TCS, HUL, ACC, Hindalco closed flat.

The 30-share BSE Sensex closed 202.68 points or 1.37% higher at 15,012.32 and the 50-share NSE Nifty went up 1.35% or 59.35 points, to settle at 4453.45. The broader indices also ended higher but not in line with the benchmark indices, as midcap technology stocks witnessed profit booking; they closed 0.8% higher.

Adani Enterprises promoted company, Adani Power did not see extraordinary listing today. It listed at Rs 105 on the BSE. It slipped below its issue price during the day and closed just near to its issue price of Rs 100.

All the sectoral indices ended in the red. The BSE Auto Index outperformed other indices and finished 2.6% higher. Maruti Suzuki and M&M were up 4.5-4.9%. Hero Honda rose 3.9% and Ashok Leyland up 1.59%. Bajaj Auto and Amtek Auto gained 0.6-0.8%.