Market slips, heavyweights drag

After steadily declining from its early highs in the first-half and exhibiting a range-bound (positive) trend thereafter, the markets in mid-noon trades has eased on the commencement of selling pressure in select heavyweights, tech, auto and other select old economy stocks.

The Sensex, which slipped to a low of 6,449, is now down seven points at 6,458. The Nifty, too, has succumbed to losses after early surge and is now down three points at 2,022.

ONGC and Reliance have lost a per cent each to Rs 876 (down Rs 8) and Rs 544 (down Rs 4), respectively. While ITC is up a per cent (Rs 15) at Rs 1,416, HLL is up Rs 2 at Rs 134.

Infosys has declined 1.13% (Rs 24) to Rs 2,094, and Satyam has lost 1.37% (Rs 6) to Rs 404.

Hero Honda has shed 2.49% (Rs 13) to Rs 512. Bajaj and Tata Motors are down Rs 2 each at Rs 1,078 and Rs 419, respectively.

Tisco has dropped 2% (Rs 8) to Rs 381. While Hindalco has slipped a per cent (Rs 10) to Rs 1,330, Reliance Energy has dipped 1.47% (Rs 8) to Rs 514. Zee is down 1.67% (Rs 2) at Rs 136. BHEL, however, is up a per cent (Rs 9) at Rs 800.

HDFC Bank (up Rs 5 to Rs 563) and ICICI Bank (up Rs 2 to Rs 410) are trading off-highs due to profit-taking. SBI, however, is trading weak at Rs 643 - down Rs 3.

Gujarat Ambuja has trimmed its gains to Rs 424 - up Rs 18 or 4.35%. Grasim and ACC are up a per cent each at Rs 1,207 (up Rs 7) and Rs 366 (up Rs 3), respectively.