The Sensex has ended (provisional) at 17,549 - down 36 points.
The Nifty has ended (provisional) down nine points at 5,259.
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(Updated at 1450 hrs)
The markets are absolutely flat in afternoon trades. The Sensex is quoting at 17,579, lower by 5 points, and the Nifty is virtually unchanged at 5,259. Energy and consumer goods sectors are weak, while PSU, realty and banking sectors are trading strong.
Hindalco, ONGC and Sun Pharma have weakened by 1.7% each to Rs 168, Rs 1208 and Rs 1529 respectively. Wipro, M&M and L&T are the other significant losers.
On the other hand, Reliance Communication has strengthened by 4.5% at Rs 191, ACC has hardened by 3% at Rs 981 and Tata Motors has added 2.2% at Rs 800.
The market breadth is positive. Out of 2964 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 1588 advancing stocks as against 1305 declines.