The markets have held on to their gains throughout the afternoon. The Sensex is quoting at 16859, higher by 78 points and the Nifty is at 5057, up 23 points. The midcap and smallcap sectors are up nearly a per cent each at 6855 and 8595 respectively. FMCG, power and auto continue to be the leading sectoral gainers on the BSE.
The top gainers list (Sensex) has remained virtually unchanged in the past one hour. HDFC has strengthened by 2.4% at Rs 2742 to lead the way. Tata Power has added 2.3% at Rs 1252 and Tata Motors has gained 2% at Rs 754. Jaiprakash Associates, Cipla and ITC are the other significant gainers.
On the other hand, telecom stocks are seeing no reprieve in selling pressure. Bharti Airtel has weakened by 2.1% at Rs 262 and RCom has shed 1.7% at Rs 172. Among the other significant losers, Hindalco has lost 1% at Rs 138 and ONGC is down 0.8% at Rs 1170. And index heavyweight RIL is poorer by 0.4% at Rs 1005.
The market breadth is strong. Out of 2785 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 1764 advancing stocks as against 911 declines.
