U.S. stocks rose, giving the S&P's 500 Index its longest winning streak since Jan, as better-than-estimated earnings at Citigroup overshadowed a disappointing retail sales report.
Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark equities gauge on course to snap a two-day drop, as Japan's Topix index headed for its highest level in nearly two months after the yen weakened and earnings at Citigroup Inc. beat estimates.
Paring early losses, Sensex shot up by 76 points to close above the 20,000 mark for the first time in over six weeks, led by gains in bluechips, as inflation numbers met market expectations amid firm global cues. This is the first time that the index has closed above the 20,000 mark since 20,215.40 on May 30. Brokers said a firming trend in global markets as Chinese economic growth matched forecasts further influenced the trading sentiment. Market is expected to open on a weaker note and remain under pressure during the day.