Sensex at 19-month high

Brokers said unexpected softening in food inflation to 18.65 per cent for the week ended December 12 from 19.95 per aroma cent in last week,and a promising 5.3 per cent core sector growth in November against meagre a 0.8 per cent a year ago,helped markets continue spreading Christmas jingles.

The Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share barometer moved in a range of 17,413.69 and 16,577.78 before concluding the week at 17,360.61,a level not seen since May 16,2008,a rise of 640.78 points or 3.83 per cent over its last weekend’s close.

The broader 50-issue Nifty of the National Stock Exchange spurted by 190.70 points,or 3.82 per cent,to settle at 5,178.40,a level not seen since May 05,2008,from its previous weekend’s close.

The bourses were closed on December 25 for Christmas,will remain shut on December 28 for Moharram and again on January 1 for the New Year holiday.