BSE benchmark sensex up 149 pts on firm global cues

Mumbai: Snapping a 3-day falling streak, the BSE Sensex today gained about 149 points to close over 17,988 on buying in fundamentally strong stocks at lower levels amid firm global cues, despite rising oil prices.
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark index Sensex, which had lost 520 points in the last three sessions, bounced back 149.25 points to close at 17,988.30.
Brokers said that investors felt the risks to the global economic recovery receded after Japan made progress in averting a nuclear crisis looming large after the massive earthquake and tsunami hit the country a few days ago.
Trading sentiment improved as Asian stocks rose led by Japan?s Nikkei 225 Stock Average, which had its biggest two-day advance since April 2009.
However, a rise in crude oil price in the overseas markets restricted the gains.