Markets off day's high

Markets extended gains in noon trades but have once again dropped some points. The Sensex touched a high of 17,846 - up 91 points from the previous close. The index is now up 65 poinst at 17,821. The Nifty is up 19 points at 5,342.

Sterlite has gained 1.2% at Rs 178. Tata Steel has jumped 1% to Rs 504.

FMCG stocks are in demand with Hindustan Unilever adding 1.2% at Rs 269. ITC has moved up 0.8% to Rs 305.

Larsen & Toubro has advanced 1.2% to Rs 1787. HDFC is up 1% at Rs 3022.

On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki has dropped 1% to Rs 1,392.

ICICI Bank, TCS and Reliance Communications have slipped nearly 1% in noon trades.

BSE market breadth is positive. Out of 2,761 stocks traded, 1,858 have advanced while 804 have declined.