Nifty crosses 9,200-mark intra-day, equities trade flat (Lead)

Mumbai March 17 (IANS) The benchmark NSE Nifty on Friday crossed the psychologically significant 9 200-level for the first time during intra-day trade even as the Indian equity markets traded on a flat note as investors turned to book profits.

The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) which opened at 9 207.80 points touched a new record intra-day high of 9 218.40 points.

At 12.40 p.m. it traded a tad lower by 0.50 points or 0.01 per cent at 9 153.20 points.

The CNX Nifty currently faced resistance at higher levels due to profit booking and traded on a lower note. Recovery due to short covering in USD/INR futures prices pressurised the price movement of the Indian equity markets at higher levels Dhruv Desai Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls told IANS.

The barometer 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE which opened at 29 755.74 points traded at 29 643.17 points (at 12.40 pm.) -- up 57.32 points or 0.19 per cent from the previous close at 29 585.85 points.

The Sensex has so far touched a high of 29 824.62 points and a low of 29 627.62 points during the intra-day trade.

In contrast the BSE market breadth was bearish -- with 1 556 declines and 1 032 advances.

FMCG stocks witnessed healthy buying while heavy selling pressure was seen in capital goods banking and automobile stocks.

On Thursday positive global cues coupled with a strong rupee and fresh inflows of foreign funds infused healthy buying sentiments and brought cheer to the equity markets.

The NSE Nifty was up 68.90 points or 0.76 per cent -- to close at 9 153.70 points. The Sensex rose by 187.74 points or 0.64 per cent to 29 585.85 points.

--IANS
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