Markets continue strong trades

Markets continue to trade in the green and are now trading near the day's high.

The Sensex gained on upbeat investor sentiments as the Coal India IPo received heavy bids. The index regained the 20,000 level while Nifty crossed 6,000 once more.

The Nifty is now up 44 points at 6,027. The Sensex is at 20,025 - up 153 points.

Asian markets are trading mixed following data showing a slowdown in the Chinese economy.

India's food price index rose 15.53 per cent while the fuel price index climbed 11.14 per cent in the year to Oct. 9, government data on Thursday showed. In the prior week, annual food and fuel inflation stood at 16.37 per cent and 11.14 per cent, respectively.

Cipla has jumped 2.6% to Rs 342. Market heavyweight - Reliance, and telecom major - Bharti Airtel have gained 2.5% each at Rs 1,074 and Rs 329, respectively.

Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Power and Sail have added 1.6% each. Other big gainers include Dr Reddy's, TCS, SBI and Power Grid.

Meanwhile, cement stocks are soft this afternoon. ACC has shed 2% at Rs 949. Ambuja Cements has dropped 1.5% to Rs 136.

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Sesa Goa amd Tata Power are also in red.