Sensex closed near 18,800 levels and Nifty closed above 5500 mark for the first time ever. IT & sugar stocks were sulking but rest of the markets continued to party with buying in scrips across sectors. Rest of the Asia also ended higher.

Buying is seen in on all dips which has helped markets to stay at the higher levels. Capital good stocks were trading firm with BHEL & L&T as top gainers followed by auto and realty stocks.

Selling pressure was seen in IT stocks as the markets have given thumbs down to Infosys second quarter numbers. The rupee is trading flat at 39.31 against the dollar. Infosys saw Q2 growth in rupee terms at 8.8%; dollar terms 10.1% in Q2.

Telecom stocks VSNL up 7%, MTNL up 6%, Reliance Communication was up over 3%. Metal stocks continue to attract buying Sterlite Ind was up 6% and Tata Steel is up 2%.

Sensex was up 155.82 points or 0.84% at 18814.07, and the Nifty up 83.40 points or 1.53% at 5524.85.

About 1477 shares have advanced, 1484 shares declined, and 84 shares are unchanged.