Mumbai, Feb 15 (PTI) The BSE benchmark index Sensex regained 18,000 points level after over six months by adding 291 points at midsession today on sustained buying by funds on easing inflation and a firming global trend. The 30 share barometer shot up by 296.03 points, or 1.66 per cent, to 18,144.60 at 1145 hrs, a level last seen on August 4, 2011. In similar fashion, the wide-based Nifty of the National Stock Exchange spurted by 87.60 points to 5,503.65 in bluechip led by auto, capital goods and realty. Brokers said trading sentiment boosted on easing inflation and a better trend in the Asian markets on expectations of a solution to Greece's debt worries. Better-than-expected quarterly earnings by Tata Motors and other blue-chip companies and easing inflation were other positive factors, they said. Foreign institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 1,030.12 crore yesterday as per provisional data from the stock exchanges. Auto major Tata Motors hit a record high by gaining 6.72 per cent to Rs 285.90 triggered by strong third quarter eanings. PTI RS SUN KPS RS
