Sensex ends up 44pts

The Sensex has ended (provisional) at 16,880 - up 44 points. Nifty ended up seven points at 5,076.
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(Updated at 1458 hrs)

Markets have started falling from the day's high once again.

Earlier in the day, the Sensex had touched a low of 16,744 on weak cues from Asian markets. However, a strong opening for European bourses, lifted sentiments in India and the Sensex rebounded 256 points from its low to touch a high of 17,000. The index is now up 47 points at 16,883.

The Nifty is up seven points at 5,067.

The BSE metal index has showed shoftness through the day and is now down nearly 2% at 15,578. Auto and realty stocks are also in red.

Larsen & Toubro has gained 3.4% at Rs 1,660 following its Q4 numbers.

Reliance Communications and Wipro have added 2.4% to Rs 145 and Rs 661, respectively.

Grasim has jumped 1.8% to Rs 2,644. ONGC, Jaiprakash Associates, SBI and DLF have advanced 1% each.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors has shed 2.3% at Rs 771. Hero Honda has dropped 1.3% to Rs 1830.

Tata Power has slipped 1.6% to Rs 1298.

HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Sterlite, TCS and Cipla have declined around 1% each.

The BSE market breadth continues to be positive. Out of 2,877 stocks traded, 1,711 have advanced while 1,068 have declined.