Indian shares rose 3.65 percent on Wednesday as funds sentiment improved on firm European markets and positive US index futures, dealers said. The benchmark 30-share Sensex rose 401.5 points to 11,403.25, a near six-month high. The stock markets will be closed for two days due to voting in general elections on Thursday and a state holiday on Friday.
They will re-open on Monday. "The markets got support from positive US index futures and European markets. Software, banking and tech stocks rose," said Alex Mathew, head of research at Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services.
Gainers led losers 1,433 to 1,025 on turnover of 41.41 billion rupees (824 million dollars). ICICI Bank rose 38.4 rupees or 8.74 percent to 477.75. Infosys Technologies rose 75.75 rupees or 5.29 percent to 1,507.3 rupees. Hotel stocks fell, reacting to global worries about the impact of the outbreak of swine flu on travel. Oberoi group's flagship EIH fell 2.7 rupees or 2.35 percent to 112.1 rupees.