Markets at break-even point

Markets have erased most of its gains, and are at break-even point. The Sensex is now up just 20 points at 19,480. The Nifty is down four points at 5861.

The broader markets, however, continue to underperform as they have extended their losses. The midcap index is down 0.6% while the smallcap lost 0.4%.

On the BSE sectoral charts, realty continues to slide down, shedding 4% followed by Metal index down 1%. IT index has rallied 2% and leads the sectoral pack.

All the indices in the Asian markets are trading in the green. Hang Seng and Nikkei have advanced 0.5% each while the Chinese index, Shanghai Composite has moved up by 1%.

IT scrips lead the Sensex gainers chart. Infosys, TCS, Wipro are up 1-3% each followed by NTPC, HDFC and Bharti Airtel up 1% each.

DLF down 3.5% is the biggest loser on the Sensex. Jaiprakash Associates, Maruti Suzuki and Reliance Infrastructure down 2% are the major losers.

The market breadth continues to be negative. 1,842 scrips have declined while 942 have advanced on the BSE.