The benchmark BSE Sensex hit the 35,000 level for the first time in late afternoon trade today as buying gathered momentum on easing fiscal deficit worries.


The 30-share index crossed the 35,000-mark by jumping 231.73 points or 0.66 per cent to 35,002.78, breaching its previous intra-day record of 34,963.69 hit on January 15.


It took 17 sessions for the index to reach the 35,000 mark from 34,000 level reached on December 26. Strong gains in banking, IT, FMCG and capital goods stocks helped the index top new milestone. Sentiments got a boost after the government today lowered the additional borrowing requirement for the current fiscal to Rs 20,000 crore from Rs 50,000 crore estimated earlier, brokers said. -- PTI