New Delhi, Jan 1: The BSE benchmark Sensex surged by 144 points on the first trading session of 2013 on the back of buying after US policymakers reached an agreement to avert the imminent fiscal cliff of wide-reaching tax hikes and deep spending cuts in the world's biggest economy.
Persistent capital inflows from foreign funds into equity market also boosted the market sentiment.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 826.
Stock markets opened on a promising note on the first trading day of 2013 with the BSE benchmark Sensex rising over 132 points in early trade on increased buying by funds as well as retail investors.
At 12: 45 am, The 30-share index rose by 144 points, or 0.74 per cent, to trade higher at 19589 points with all the sectoral indices led by realty and metal, trading in positive zone with gains up to 1.23 per cent.
On the other hand, Nifty gained 50 points, or 0.86 per cent, to reach at 5955.
