Sensex remains firm, up 73 pts

 The Sensex, in early noon trades, is up 73 points at 6,236. The Nifty has moved up 28 points to 1,960.

 Heavyweight and tech stocks continue to trade with impressive gains.

Reliance has extended its gains by 1.91% (Rs 10) to Rs 511. While HLL is up a notch at Rs 150 after early weakness, ITC, however, has slipped a per cent (Rs 12) to Rs 1,347.

 Infosys has moved up nearly 2% (Rs 37) to Rs 1,949. While Wipro has upped its gains by 2.52% (Rs 17) to Rs 674, Satyam is up 1.13% (Rs 4) at Rs 388.

 Select old economy stocks have attracted considerable buying support.

Bharti has jumped 2.80% (Rs 6) to Rs 209 on improved Q3 results.

 Hindalco has jumped 3.15% (Rs 39) to Rs 1,290. While BHEL has added 3.15% (Rs 22) to Rs 715, ONGC is up a per cent (Rs 8) at Rs 790. Reliance Energy has gained 1.85% (Rs 9) to Rs 500.

 While Tata Power has advanced 3.27% (Rs 11) to Rs 356, Tisco is up 2% (Rs 7) at Rs 375.

 Auto and pharma counters have pared gains on profit-taking.

Hero Honda at Rs 531 (up Rs 8 or 1.53%), Maruti at Rs 433 (up Rs 12 or 2.78%) and Maruti at Rs 483 (up Rs 5) are holding on to their gains.

 Ranbaxy has come off-highs on profit-taking, and is now up 3.36% (Rs 33) at Rs 1,017. While Dr. Reddy's has inched up by 1.67% (Rs 12) to Rs 742, Cipla is up a rupee at Rs 274.