Mumbai, Sep 19 (PTI) Stock markets today brushed aside concerns over havoc in international financial markets with the benchmark Sensex notching up over 727 points to close above 14k level after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked cabinet ministers to stay alert on unfolding global situation.

The 30-share index, which commenced the day notably higher on firming global trend, spurted by another 500 points, minutes after reports of PM’s remarks of caution.

The BSE barometer finally closed the day 726.72 points, or 5.46% higher at 14,042.32 on heavy buying by funds and general investors. The key index touched the day’s high of 14,097.44 and a low of 13,674.96 points.

The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty surged 207.10 points to 4,245.25 as heavy-weights led by software, telecom and realty stocks rose smartly. The Nifty surged to a high of 4,262.65 and witnessed a low of 4,040.80 points.

Refinery stocks gained the most as oil and gas index spurted 495.53 points at 9,468.42, as Reliance Industries stocks gained Rs 119 at Rs 2,051.85, ONGC by Rs72.95 at Rs1,072.10 and Aban Offshore by Rs65.95 at Rs2,460.45.

Capital goods index gained 491.57 points at 11,740.07 as index heaviest and market majors Larsen and Toubro rose by Rs106.25 at Rs2,645.30 and BHEL by Rs101.50 at Rs1,710.70.