The markets have held on to their early-morning gains. The Sensex is now quoting at 16996, higher by 227 points and the Nifty is at 5091, up 73 points. Metal, banking and realty stocks are calling the shots this morning.
In the metal space, Sterlite has appreciated by 3.7% at Rs 741, Tata Steel has strengthened by 3.3% at Rs 577 and Hindalco has gained 3% at Rs 168. Sterlite also happens to be the top gainers among the Sensex scrips.
In the banking space, ICICI Bank has strengthened by 2.4% at Rs 897, HDFC Bank has appreciated by 2.1% at Rs 1887 and SBI has added 2% at Rs 2272.
And among the realty stocks, Reliance Infra has added 3% at Rs 1009, DLF has gained 1.9% at Rs 290 and Indiabulls is up 4.2% at Rs 161.
Index heavyweight RIL has gained 1.9% at Rs 1054 and the new listing, Talwalkars Fitness is trading higher by 19.5% at Rs 153.
On the other hand, Cipla has extended its losses and is now down 5.3% a Rs 323 and ITC is down 0.3% at Rs 257.
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And in the ADAG pack, Reliance Infra is up 2.8% at Rs 1008, Reliance Communication has recovered from the day's lows and is now up 0.3% at Rs 153, Reliance Power has edged higher by Rs 0.1% at Rs 140. RNRL, onj the other hand, has lost another 7.1% at Rs 49,
The market breadth is positive. Out of 1650 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 1415 advancing stocks as against 198 declines.