Old economy props Sensex by 150 points

8216;8216;Several factors boosted the sentiment. The GDP growth figures played a major role in the bull rally,8221; said BSE dealer Venkat Aiyar. India8217;s gross domestic product GDP grew 10.4 in the third quarter of the financial year 2003-04 compared to a year earlier. This was led by a 7.4 growth in the manufacturing sector, and a 16.9 growth in agriculture. Indian economy grew only 2 in the Q3 of financial year 20020-03 from the same period of FY 2001-02.

8220;Strong economic data and fresh buying by traders who had liquidated their positions in the recent past due to year-end considerations led to smart gains,8221; said an NSE dealer. Investors also started mopping up stocks betting on fourth quarter results that would start trickling in in the coming days.