Indian shares reversed two sessions of losses to close higher on Thursday as poll booths opened for Britons to vote on a referendum about whether or not to exit the European Union.

 

The benchmark BSE index ended 0.88 percent higher at 27,002.22, while the broader NSE Nifty rose 0.81 percent to 8,270.45.

 

Markets opened on a cautious note on Thursday. However, sentiment improved with a firming trend in other Asian markets and a higher opening in European shares as Britain began voting in a historic referendum on its future in the European Union.

 

The rupee strengthening by over 15 paise against dollar too supported the market.

 

Asian peers ended mixed on Thursday as investors positioned themselves for the outcome of Britain’s referendum on its European Union (EU) membership.

 

In the 50-share index, Tata Motors, YES Bank, Ambuja Cements, Bank of Baroda, Dr Reddy’s Labs gained between 2.34 per cent and 3.19 per cent. On the other hand, Bharti Infratel, NTPC, Cipla, Eicher Motors and TCS slid between 0.78 per cent and 5.02 per cent.