Sensex was up 188.26 points or 1.28% to 15,186.20 on positive cues from the global markets. On Thursday, 20 March 2008, US stocks closed their best week in nearly two months and are seen extending the solid rally this week, bolstered by the Federal Reserve's aggressive liquidity action.

The market breadth, indicating overall health of the market, was weak. On BSE, 2012 shares declined as compared to 457 that advanced. 56 remained unchanged.

The BSE Mid-Cap index underperformed the market over the past one month to 19 March 2008, declining 22.40% as against the Sensex's 17.04% decline. It also underperformed the market in the past three months, sliding 33.92% against the Sensex's fall of 21.75%.

The BSE Small-Cap index underperformed the market over the past one month to 19 March 2008, declining 26.67% as against the Sensex's 17.04% decline. It also underperformed the market in the past three months, sliding 38.86% against the Sensex's fall of 21.75%.

Among the mid-cap and small-cap stocks, S Kumars Nationwide (down 26.56% to Rs 83.40), Indus Fila (down 20% to Rs 90.25), IOL Broadband (down 20% to Rs 155.65), Arston Engineering (down 14.91% to Rs 25.40), and Orbit Corporation (down 15.41% to Rs 341), declined

However, Modern Steel (up 20% to Rs 22.85), International Conveyors (up 20% to Rs 175), Shalimar Paints (up 10.72% to Rs 248.40), Visa Steel (up 9.96% to Rs 38.10), and Ledo Tea Company (up 8.83% to Rs 39.45), advanced.