Indian shares rose 0.18 percent on Friday in choppy trade, closing off earlier highs as investors unwound positions ahead of the weekend, dealers said. The benchmark 30-share Sensex index climbed 30.19 points to 16,741.3, a near 16-month high. India's stock exchanges are closed Monday for a public holiday. "Investors were in profit-taking mood. Buying was distinctly tired, after the recent run-up in prices," said Bhaskar Kapadia, a partner with brokerage Pyramid Securities.
Indian share prices have risen nearly 12 percent in the past five weeks. Gainers led losers 1,443 to 1,334 on turnover of 62.72 billion rupees (1.3 billion dollars). Maruti Suzuki India gained 81.5 rupees or 5.23 percent to 1,640.85, while Mahindra and Mahindra rose 15.2 rupees or 1.75 percent to 885, on hopes of higher sales in India's festive season, which commences next week. India's auto companies have seen a spurt in sales in recent months, led by strong demand across Europe. Hindalco advanced 1.65 rupees or 1.21 percent to 137.7 rupees, as global metal prices rise.