Blue chips entice funds

Stocks Report

 The 30-share Sensex settled with a modest gain of 19.48 points at 4,402.55, its best close since September 10. In a range-bound session, the Sensex touched an intraday high at 4,426.30 and a low at 4,385.54. Meanwhile, the broader NSE S&P CNX Nifty index rose 13 points to 1,399.95.

 State-run firms were in the limelight on hopes that these companies will declare hefty dividends. Cement and steel stocks too witnessed hectic action.

 Index bluechip stocks including Reliance Industries and State Bank of India witnessed hectic action. However, technology and defensive sector stocks displayed mixed trends.

 Hindustan Petroleum surged 5.25 per cent to Rs 373.30, off from its day