<b>Nearing 20K:</b> Sensex up 724pts; L&amp;T zooms 9%

The Sensex is now up 724 points at 19,967.

Larsen & Toubro has zoomed nearly 9% to Rs 4,222. BHEL has soared 7.5% to Rs 2,615.

ONGC and HDFC have surged 7% each to Rs 1,238 and Rs 2,744, respectively.

HDFC Bank has rallied 5.5% to Rs 1,632. Reliance has gained 5% at Rs 2,829.

Reliance Energy has moved up 3.5% to Rs 1,729, and ICICI Bank has added 3% to Rs 1,220.

Out of 2,807 stocks traded so far, 1,576 have advanced, 1,161 have declined and 70 are unchanged.