Indian share prices closed 0.62 percent higher on bargain-hunting by local funds and retail investors, as investors ignored mixed Asian market trends, dealers said. They said the market breadth improved from the previous week on buying in mid- and small-cap stocks. The 30-share Mumbai stock exchange Sensex index rose 80.35 points to 12,982.98. Real estate stocks were top gainers while consumer goods stocks fell.
"Buying momentum improved compared to previous days. We could, however, see some consolidation at current levels as inflationary pressures remain," said Advait Date, a dealer with brokerage BHH Securities. Gainers led losers 1,739 to 848 on volume of 41.77 billion rupees (945 million dollars). Generic drug firm Cipla rose 3.65 rupees or 2.57 percent to 236.35, while real estate company HB Estate Developers rose 2.35 rupees or 4.95 percent to 49.85.