Firm domestic cues swell equity markets

Mumbai, July 28 (IANS) Indian equity markets traded in the green on Thursday supported by increased chances of the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Bill clearing parliament during its ongoing monsoon session and a firm rupee.

Both the key indices traded higher during the mid-afternoon trade session, as healthy buying was witnessed in consumer durables, automobiles and healthcare stocks.

The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) edged up 29.65 points or 0.34 per cent to 8,645.45 points.

The BSE Sensex, which opened at 28,108.78 points, traded at 28,133.89 points (at 1.00 p.m.) -- up 109.56 points or 0.39 per cent from the previous close at 28,024.33 points.

The Sensex has so far touched a high of 28,144.32 points and a low of 28,064.90 points during the intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth was tilted in favour of the bulls -- with 1,485 declines and 956 advances.

On Wednesday, the benchmark indices ended on a flat-to-positive note due to profit booking, combined with caution ahead of derivatives expiry and a key announcement over the US interest rate.