Sensex opens over 100 points up, Nifty at 11,018

MUMBAI: The benchmark BSE Sensex on Monday rose 117.08 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 36,658.71 and the Nifty started at 11,018.95 in opening trade. On its last close on Monday, Sensex retreated from a record high to end flat at 36,541.63 in volatile trade.

Later, the 30-share index fell 74.69 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 36,466.94 after touching a high of 36,558.71 in opening trade. Sectoral indices led by healthcare, realty, oil and gas, infrastructure, auto and banking were trading in the negative zone, falling up to 1.53 per cent.

The NSE Nifty, after rising to 11,019.50, turned negative to quote 38.95 points, or 0.35 per cent, lower at 10,978.40.

Heavy selling activity was witnessed after investors began booking profits at current levels, they added. Shares of Infosys, however, topped the gainers list by rising about 2 per cent even as company's earnings fell below market expectations.

Meanwhile, the rupee fell 6 paise to 68.59 against the US dollar on fresh buying of the American currency by importers. Traders said dollar's strength against some currencies overseas and fresh demand of the US currency from importers weighed on investor sentiment.

Besides, India's trade deficit widening to a more than three-and-a-half-year high of $16.6 billion due to costlier crude oil imports, too kept pressure on the rupee. On Friday, the rupee saw a marginal four paise rise in its value at 68.53 a dollar.