PSU Banks in limelight

The Sensex has slightly come off its highs on profit-taking in select counters. It is now up 35 points at 6,569. The Nifty is up 11 points at 2,054.

Reliance is up a per cent (Rs 5) at Rs 539. While ITC is trading higher with a gain of 1.21% (Rs 15) at Rs 1,280, HLL is still up 1.19% (Rs 2) at Rs 144.

SBI is on a roll, and the counter has flared up 2.15% (Rs 14) to Rs 675. While ICICI Bank is down a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 373, HDFC Bank is down a tad at Rs 560.

Infosys (up Rs 5 to Rs 2,147) and Wipro (up Rs 4 to Rs 683) are trading with steady gains. Satyam is unchanged with a per cent gain (Rs 4) at Rs 404.

L&T is trading firm with a gain of 3.36% (Rs 34) at Rs 1,054. While Reliance Energy has added 1.31% (Rs 7) to Rs 555, Tisco is trading with a per cent gain (Rs 3) at Rs 412.

Bajaj has gained 1.52% (Rs 16) to Rs 1,043, and Maruti is up 1.33% (Rs 6) at Rs 472. Tata Motors has logged 1.25% gains (Rs 6) to Rs 483. Hero Honda (down Rs 3 to Rs 539), however, continues to trade on a subdued note.

Hindalco is trading lower by a per cent (Rs 13) at Rs 1,355.

PSU banks have attracted considerable buying support after the govt granted more freedom in their basic operations.

Union Bank has perked up 7% to Rs 113, while BoI garnered 4% gains to 86. BoB has added 3% at Rs 206. Vijaya Bank, Canara Bank, IOB and Andhra Bank are also trading with decent gains.