Wednesday, April 19 2006 18:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The stock market benchmark Sensex advanced closer to the 12,000 points level on attractive corporate earnings, but ended way short of the milestone due to profit taking by investors.

The Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share Sensex closed at 11,895.98 points, after touching an intra-day high of 11,986 as software and oil stocks gained currency with funds.

The surging market also received a boost from monetary policy unveiled by Reserve Bank yesterday, which was perceived as market friendly as it did not tinker with key interest rates.

Buying interest was strong in index-related software companies like Infosys, Tata Consultancy, Satyam Computers and Wipro, which announced excellent quaterly earnings.

The buying activity spilled over to other segments as well, but profit selling towards the end of the day wiped out gains partially.

The Sensex closed 74.41 points up at 11,895.98, surpassing the previous record close of 11,821.57 on April 18.

Though it was at one time within calling distance of the 12,000 points, when it traded at 11,986 at midday.

Similarly, the rival National Stock Exchange index Nifty zoomed to close at record high of 3535.85 points, gaining 17.75. It witnessed a record intra-day high of 3570.50 points.