Sensex above 7,000 levels, heavyweights firm

After a mixed outing in early trades, the market has notched up significant gains in current deals following sustained buying support in heavyweights and banking majors.

The Sensex, which touched a new all-time high of 7,042, is ruling above the 7,000 mark at 7,030 - up up 46 points. The Nifty has gained 18 points to 2,162.

ONGC has surged 2.34% (Rs 22) to Rs 943. While Reliance Industries, on volumes of over 98.16 lakh, has clocked a per cent gain (Rs 7) to Rs 637, HLL has gained 1.62% (Rs 2) to Rs 151. ITC is up a per cent (Rs 8) at Rs 1,546.

SBI has advanced 1.49% (Rs 10) to Rs 666, and ICICI Bank has added 1.46% (Rs 6) to Rs 411. Over 10.16 lakh SBI shares have changed hands on the BSE.

Cipla has flared up 3.20% (Rs 9) to Rs 294, and Ranbaxy is up Rs 4 at Rs 1,075. Dr. Reddy's, however, is down a per cent (Rs 6) at Rs 715.

Wipro is up a per cent (Rs 8) at Rs 763, while TCS is up with steady gains at Rs 1,300. Infosys (down Rs 13 ton Rs 2,362) and Satyam (down Rs 2 to Rs 501), however, are still exhibiting weak trends.