Sensex touches 17K

Markets have extended gains. The Sensex has crossed the 17K mark after 11 trading days. The index is now up 266 points at 17,008.

The Nifty is up 85 points at 5,104.
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(Updated at 1010 hrs)

Markets gained smartly this morning on global cues.

The Sensex touched a high of 16,989 and is now slowly inching towards the 17,000 mark. The index is now up 239 points at 16,981.

The Nifty opened above the 5,000 mark and is now up 77 points at 5,096.

BSE metal index has jumped 2% to 14,917. Auto, realty and banking indices have added over 1.5% each.

All the Sensex-30 stocks are in the green this morning. Sterlite has jumped 3% to Rs 653. Hindalco has gained 2.5% at Rs 146. Tata Steel and Jindal Steel have added over 1.3% each.

Auto stocks are up. Tata Motors has gained 2.6% at Rs 764. M&M has added 2.2% to Rs 586. Hero Honda is up 1.4% at Rs 2,009. Maruti Suzuki has advanced 1%.

Yesterday's show stealer, Reliance Communications, has jumped 2.5% to Rs 159.

ONGC, Hindutsan Unilever, DLF, Jaiprakash Associates, L&T and Tata Power have added 1-2% each.

The BSE market breadth is positive. Out of 2,307 stocks traded, 1,801 advanced while 438 declined.