Mumbai, Tuesday, September 02, 2008: A strong rally in the equity markets pushed up the key indices in pre-close trading today, lifting the BSE Sensex over 15,000 points level and the NSE index Nifty over 4,500 points after crude fell below 106 dollar a barrel in global markets.

While the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex spurted by 574.17 points, or 3.96 per cent, to 15,072.68 at 1400 hrs, the second wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty went up by 173.75 points to 4,522.40.

The Nifty, which had crossed a 4,400 points level at mid-session, further zoomed to pierced through another barrier of 4,500 points as funds turned aggressive buyers in heavy-weight stocks led by bank, refinery and infrastructure sectors as tumbling crude oil prices eased inflation concerns.

The major support to the market came in from trend-setter stocks from both the Ambani brothers’ group companies, which recorded significant gains.

Banking stocks rose as easing concerns of inflation raised hopes of no change in the interest rates. (Agency)