Markets continue strong trades

Markets continue to trade in the green on cues from Asian markets. The Sensex, after touching a high of 17,701, is now up 104 points at 17,678.

The Nifty is up 29 points at 5,297.

BSE oil & gas index has jumped 2% to 10,795. Consumer durables, PSU, power indices have also gained.

ONGC has gained 4.3% to Rs 1,319. Reliance Communications has jumped 3.2% to Rs 199.

Mahindra & Mahindra has rebounded and is up 1.6% at Rs 625. Wipro has added 1.5% to Rs 397.

Reliance has jumped 1.3% to Rs 1,078. Hindalco, Tata Motors and BHEL have advanced 1% each to Rs 151, Rs 778 and Rs 2,475, respectively.

Jaiprakash Associates, Larsen & Toubro and Tata Power are the other big gainers.

Meanwhile, HDFC Bank has slipped 1% to Rs 1,929. Maruti Suzuki, Jindal Steel and ACC are down 0.5% each.

The BSE market breadth is positive. Out of 2,424 stocks traded, 1,690 have advanced while 651 have declined.