Sensex rises to 19-month high again

Dec. 24: Exten-ding the gains for the third straight day, Sensex on Thursday rallied 130 points to close at a 19-month high amid a string of positive ne-ws and strong global cues.
Brokers said unexpected softening in food inflation to 18.65 per cent and a promising 5.3 per cent core sector growth in November helped markets continue to spread Christmas jingles.
The 30-share index initially gyrated in a narrow range but jumped in the last one hour to conclude the day gaining 129.50 or 0.75 per cent over its previous close at 17,360.61— a level not seen since May 16, 2008. The Sensex has gained over 740 points in three days of sustained buying by funds.