Buying picks up, Sensex gains 38 pts

The market has shrugged off its range-bound trend prevailing since the mid-morning trades as select heavyweights, tech and other old economy stocks have attracted further buying support.

The Sensex, after touching a high of 6,543, is now up 38 points at 6,537. The Nifty, too, on fresh buying in select counters, has advanced 20 points to 2,012.

Reliance has advanced 1.94% (Rs 10) to Rs 530, and ONGC has flared up 1.77% (Rs 15) to Rs 863. HLL, however, is trdaing 1.46% lower (Rs 2) at Rs 128.

Satyam has surged 2.38% (Rs 11) to Rs 453. Wipro has clocked a per cent gain (Rs 6) to Rs 671.

HPCL has jumped 2.51% (Rs 8) to Rs 337. While Reliance Energy has moved up 1.91% (Rs 9) to Rs 485, BHEL has gained 1.73% (Rs 15) to Rs 869. Tisco, however, has shed 1.20% (Rs 4) to Rs 351.

HDFC Bank has added 1.38% (Rs 7) to Rs 546. While ICICI Bank is up a per cent (Rs 4) at Rs 401, SBI is trading off-highs with a rupee gain at Rs 650.

Maruti is unchanged with a gain of 2.28% (Rs 10) at Rs 455. Hero Honda is up a per cent (Rs 6) at Rs 573.