Markets lacklustre in morning trades

Markets dropped from the highs of the day on weak cues from Asian peers. However, the Sensex has managed to recover somewhat is now up 25 points at 17,411. Nifty is up 10 points at 5,233.

BSE metal index has dropped in red. Index is now down 0.5% at 17,221 , followed by the oil and FMCG indices. However, healthcare and realty indices are trading with gains.

Realty stocks are leading in the markets this morning. DLF and Jaipraaksh Associates have gained 1.5% each to Rs 312 and Rs 147, respectively. HDFC has added 1.2% to Rs 2841.

Auto stocks are up. Mahindra & Mahindra has advanced 1.2% to Rs 532. Tata Motors has jumped 0.6% to Rs 861. Maruti is up marginally at Rs 1,289.

BHEL, Grasim, NTPC and Reliance Infrastructure are also up nearly 1% each.

However, Hindalco is trading weak and is now down 1.4% at Rs 171.

Bharti Airtel and index heavyweight, Reliance, have dropped 0.5% each.

BSE market breadth is positive. Out of 2,444 stocks traded, 1,616 have advanced while 759 have declined.