Markets open positive amid global optimism, sustained FII inflows

Mumbai, July 31 Indian equity benchmark indices opened on a positive note on Friday, supported by gains in financials, pharma and auto stocks amid positive global cues and continued FII buying in the domestic market. Sensex opened at 77,998.66, up 70.51 points or 0.09 per cent, while Nifty rose 44.30 points or 0.18 per cent to 24,361.45. Among the sectoral indices, Nifty Financial Services Ex-Bank emerged as top gainer and increased almost 1 per cent, followed by Nifty Pharma, Nifty Auto, Nifty Healthcare, Nifty Metal and Nifty PSU Bank which gained up to about 0.8 per cent. On the other…