Sensex, Nifty witnessed gains of around half percent in afternoon trade

The Sensex and the Nifty today witnessed gains of around half a percent in the afternoon trade. Both stock indices were up amid positive cues from global share markets.

The Sensex was trading above 59,700 level while the Nifty was trading near 17,800 points.

The Sensex rose 254 points, or 0.43 per cent, to trade at 59,717.

The Nifty also appreciated 87 points, or 0.49 per cent, to trade at 17,785 when the reports last came in.

In the forex market, the rupee also strengthened 18 paise to trade at 79 rupees and 36 pasie against the US dollar in the afternoon deals.