Markets in red again

Markets have dropped into red once again.

The Sensex is now at 17,724 - down 45 points from the day's high.

The Nifty is down eight points at 5,314.
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(Updated at 1032 hrs)

The BSE FMCG index has helped the markets to recover.

The Sensex after opening in red had touched a low of 17,684. The index has recovered now and touched a high of 17,767.

The Sensex is now up 12 points at 17,757. The Nifty is flat at 5,322.

BSE FMCG index has gained 0.6% along with the healthcare index. The indices are at 2907 and 5329, respectively. However, the bankex is still in red.

Maruti Suzuki has extended losses and is now down 3.3% at Rs 1290.

Metal stocks are down. Sterlite has dropped 1.3% to Rs 832. Tata Steel has slipped marginallt to Rs 654.

ICICI Bank and SBI have shed 1% each to Rs 948 and Rs 2229, respectively. DLF and Jaipakash are the other losers in the index. Reliance has declined to Rs 1065.

Meanwhile, ONGC has gained 1.7% at Rs 1034. HDFC has added 1.3% to Rs 2865.

ITC and Sun Pharma have moved up 1% each.

The BSE market breadth is positive. Out of 2447 stocks traded, 1,416 have advanced while 957 have declined.