Markets at fresh peak: Sensex rises 227 points to hit record closing of 44,180; Nifty settles at 12,938

Equity indices continued to surge on Wednesday with both the BSE and NSE indices scaling fresh closing highs, led by gains in auto, bank and realty stocks. After crossing the 44,000-mark for the first time in early trade, the BSE sensex hit an intra-day high of 44,215 before settling 227 points or 0.52 per cent up at record closing of 44,180; while the broader NSE Nifty finished 64 points or 0.50 per cent higher at fresh peak of 12,938.