The BSE benchmark Sensex on Friday rose by nearly 185 points as higher earnings by L&T and Tata Power and firming European markets boosted investor confidence.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) benchmark Sensex shuttled in the range of 18,429.47 and 18,161.38 before closing at 18,326.09, up 184.69 points.

The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also rose by 58.25 points to 5,486.35.

Market analysts said a firming start in European stocks preceded by a upswing in the US markets on Thursday bolstered the trading sentiment.