NTPC overtakes Reliance in mkt cap

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has overtaken Reliance Industries to assume the second position, after ONGC, in terms of
market capitalisation.

Till end of last week, ONGC's m-cap was Rs 1,17,768 crore followed by NTPC at Rs 75,611 crore and Reliance at Rs 74,775 crore.

It's not just NTPC. The golden era of PSUs has been revived as IOC, SBI, SAIL, GAIL and BHEL have rewarded investors more than their private sector counterparts.

The NTPC stock, which opened for trade at around Rs 71, has steadily climbed to Rs 90 plus range. The price rise was fuelled by the interest from retail and high networth investors.

IOC also increased its m-cap significantly in a week to Rs 55,072 crore
to retain the sixth position. This is despite the fact that IOC began the year on a negative note with its net profit plummeting 46% to Rs 1,286.76 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2004.

SBI moved up the ladder to 11th position with a m-cap of Rs 34,109 crore, and is well ahead of its close competitor ICICI Bank with a m-cap of Rs 26,864 crore.

Overcoming the losses it suffered a few years ago, SAIL has also caught the fancy of investors, which has resulted in its m-cap move up to Rs 26,703 crore. SAIL is now ahead of Tisco in m-cap.

BHEL has also increased its m-cap to Rs 19,368 crore.

TCS commands a higher m-cap of Rs 62,727 crore than Infosys (Rs 56,067 crore) and Wipro (rs 49,304 crore).