Domestic shares rose to fresh highs on Thursday, with the BSE benchmark index Sensex breaching the 38,000 level for the first time ever. The Sensex ended 136 points higher at 38,024 while the NSE Nifty settled 20 points up at 11,470, both record closing highs. Advances were boosted by banking and metal stocks. The Nifty Bank - an NSE sectoral index of banking stocks - extended its record-setting spree to finish at 28,320. Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Hindalco Industries, SBI and Vedanta - closing with gains between 2.5 per cent and 4 per cent - were the top gainers on the 50-scrip Nifty.
