The markets have steadfastly held on to their gains. And it is the interest rate sensitive plays that are calling the shots. The Sensex is quoting at 17664, stronger by 193 points and the Nifty is at 5299, higher by 57 points.
The metal and realty indices have spurted by more than 2% each. In the metals space, Sterlite has strengthened by 3.2% at Rs 164 to emerge as the leading sectoral gainer on the BSE. Tata Steel is a close second, having gained 2.3% at Rs 485 and Hindalco has added 1.8% at Rs 144.
The realty space has seen the likes of DLF gaining 2.2% at Rs 285, Indiabulls Real Estate adding 3.4% at Rs 160 and Unitech adding 2.3% at Rs 74. And in the banking space, SBI has gained 2.3% at Rs 2356 and ICICI Bank is up 2.2% at Rs 865.
Hindustan Unilever is the only loser among the BSE-Sensex scrips. The FMCG major has lost 1% at Rs 264.
The market breadth is strong. Out of 2309 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 1837 advancing stocks as against 408 declines.