Block deal in HDFC; Sensex up 84 pts

The Sensex has advanced further to a new high of 7,164 as rally in heavyweights, select tech, auto and other old economy counters continue to rev up the markets.

The Sensex is now up 84 points at 7,160, while the Nifty has gained 25 points to 2,195.

The breadth of the market is positive on the BSE. Of 2,501 scrips traded, 1,344 have advanced, 1,066 declined and 91 have remained unchanged so far.

ONGC has edged higher by 1.96% (Rs 19) to Rs 963. While ITC has scaled up 1.54% (Rs 24) to Rs 1,570, Reliance has inched up by a per cent (Rs 4) to Rs 650. Over 64.8 lakh Reliance shares have changed hands on the BSE.

Maruti has logged 2.25% gains (Rs 10) to Rs 464, and Bajaj is up 2.15% (Rs 27) at Rs 1,275. While Tata Motors has gained 1.96% (Rs 8) to Rs 427, Hero Honda is up 1.43% (Rs 8) at Rs 558.

HDFC, on huge block deal of over 1.23 crore, has advanced 3.75% (Rs 32) to Rs 875, while L&T has gained 2.67% (Rs 29) to Rs 1,130. Tisco has jumped 3% (Rs 11) to Rs 368.

TCS has surged 2% (Rs 26) to Rs 1,330, while Satyam has moved up 1.49% (Rs 8) to Rs 515. Infosys (up Rs 9 to Rs 2,401) and Wipro (up Rs 2 to Rs 759) are largely unchanged from their earlier gains.

SBI, on volumes of over 7.79 lakh, is up with a steady gain of Rs 8 at Rs 673. ICICI Bank is up a rupee at Rs 419. HDFC Bank (down Rs 2 to Rs 598), however, is still subdued.

ACC has added 1.84% (Rs 7) to Rs 385. Other cement counters are up with tepid gains.