Sensex climbs 181 points as RBI hikes key rates by 0.25 pc

Mumbai, Jan 25 (PTI) The BSE benchmark Sensex was tradingover 181 points higher at 1145 hours today on increased buyingby funds and retail investors, even after the Reserve Bank ofIndia hiked key short-term lending and borrowing rates by 25basis points each.

The 30-share Sensex, which had gained nearly 100 pointsat the start of the session, was up 181.49 points, or 0.95 percent, at 19,332.77 at 1145 hours.

All the sectoral indices -- led by oil and gas andcapital goods -- were trading in positive territory, withgains of up to 1.36 per cent.

The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Niftyregained the 5,800 points level in early trade, rising by58.30 points, or 1.01 per cent higher, to 5,801.55.40.

Stockbrokers said buying activity picked up as the RBI''sdecision to raise its short-term lending and borrowing ratesby 0.25 per cent each to curb rising inflation was in linewith the market expectations.