Indian equities close higher on derivatives expiry day (Second Lead)

Mumbai, March 30 : Indian equity markets on Thursday provisionally closed the day's trade in the green for the third consecutive session, although volatility was witnessed on the day of the March 2017 derivatives contract expiry.

The key indices provisionally closed in the green on the back of a strong rupee and healthy buying witnessed in consumer durables, banking and capital goods stocks.

The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was up 29.95 points or 0.33 per cent at 9,173.75 points.

The barometer 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 29,538.03 points, provisionally closed at 29,647.42 points (at 3.30 p.m.) -- up 115.99 points or 0.39 per cent, from the previous close at 29,531.43 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 29,684.54 points and a low of 29,521.65 points during the intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth was bullish -- with 1,723 advances and 998 declines.

On Wednesday, the benchmark indices closed higher following positive global cues, a strong rupee and inflow of funds.