The Sensex is quoting at 17454, lower by six points and the Nifty is at 5,234, up four points.
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(Updated at 1422pm)
The markets have seemingly tired out in the noon session after an exciting start to the day. The Sensex sqandered the early gains of a little over 100 points, dipped into the negative, albeit momentarily, this afternoon and is now flat at 17490, higher by 29 points and the Nifty is at 5,244, up 14 points. The realty, bankex and auto indices continue to hold their forte and have gained 1-2% each in trades, while oil stocks are under pressure.
Hindustan Unilever has strengthened by 2.7% a Rs 234, Jaiprakash Associates has appreciated by 2.1% at Rs 150 and Tata Motors has added 2.1% at Rs 808. Reliance Infra, ACC and ICICI Bank are the other notable gainers.
On the other hand, Sun Pharma has slipped 2.1% to Rs 1,760, BHEL has shed 1% at Rs 2471 and Larsen & Toubro has lost 0.8% to Rs 1,574. And index heavyweight, RIL is down 0.7% at Rs 1056.
The BSE market breadth continues to be positive. Out of 2,935 stocks traded, 1990 have advanced while 854 have declined.