SENSEX @ 32K

The Sensex today went past the 32,000-mark for the first time ever soaring over 232 points and the Nifty closed at a new peak 9,892 as inflation hit a record low, offering the RBI leeway for a lower policy rate. Both indices rose for the fourth consecutive session. The 30-share BSE index took 33 sessions to rise 1,000 points before it finally went beyond the psychologically significant 32,000.
Retail inflation for June hit a historically low 1.54 per cent and industrial output growth for May slumped to 1.7 per cent, boosting chances of a rate reduction by the Reserve Bank at its upcoming August policy meet. The macro numbers were released after market hours yesterday.
- The BSE Sensex settled at a new peak of 32,037.38, up 232.56 points, or 0.73 per cent. It surpassed its previous record of 31,804.82 touched yesterday. In past four days, the index had gained 676.75 points.

- The broader 50-issue NSE Nifty spurted 75.60 points, or 0.77 per cent, to close at fresh lifetime high of 9,891.70, bettering its earlier record 9,816.10 hit yesterday.

- ITC emerged as the top gainer by rising 3.03 per cent. Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank and Sun Pharma rose up to 1.84 per cent.