Sensex, Nifty close flat; Auto, bank, infra stocks rise

The benchmark BSE Sensex closed at new peak level of 30,250.98, gaining 2.81 pts, while the NSE Nifty-50 index closed up 15.10 pts at record high of 9,422.40. Strong regional markets also aided sentiment.

Indian stocks previously extended their record-breaking ralley today with auto stocks moving on hopes of lower interest rates after a better monsoon prediction eased inflation worries in a country that depends mostly on rains to irrigate its farmlands.

Eicher Motors Ltd and Zee Entertainment emerged as top Nifty gainers today.  Sectorally, liquor stocks and metal stocks witnessed a sharp increase. HCL technologies Ltd rallied in the morning hours influenced by the strong quarter fourth earnings, slowly pared its gains to trade in the red terrain, closing its stocks at Rs 838.65 per share, down by 0.43 percent on the BSE.

Royal Enfield, Eicher Motors rallied on the exchanges hitting a fresh 52-week high of Rs 30,051 per share, closing at Rs 29,402.10 per share, up by 5.57 percent on the BSE.

On the BSE, 1,581 shares fell, 1,246 shares rose and a total of 165 shares were unchanged. The total turnover on BSE figured to Rs 4,011.58 Crore.