Sensex crosses 6,650 in early trades

The Sensex resumed on a firm note, adding 23 points over its last close, at 6,626. Early upsurge in select old and new economy stocks propelled the gains of the index to an early high of 6,669. The Sensex is now up 55 pts at 6,658. The Nifty has added 10 points to 2,090.

ITC is up a per cent (Rs 10) at Rs 1,320, and Reliance is up Rs 3 at Rs 536. HLL is up a notch at Rs 144.

Infosys has gained 1.15% (Rs 24) to Rs 2,113. While Satyam is up Rs 2 at Rs 412, Wipro is trading with a rupee gain at Rs 749.

HPCL has added 2.12% (Rs 8) to Rs 409. While Hindalco has shot up 2.47% (Rs 35) to Rs 1,462, Tisco is up 1.26% (Rs 5) at Rs 390.

SBI has resumed with a steady gain Rs 3 at Rs 655, while ICICI Bank is up 1.11% (Rs 4) at Rs 375.

Bajaj at Rs 1,160 (up Rs 29 or 2.52%) and Hero Honda at Rs 581 (up Rs 10 or 1.73%) have commenced firm after reporting strong December sales figure. While Tata Motors is up a per cent (Rs 4) at Rs 501, Maruti is up Rs 2 at Rs 463.

Cement and pharma stocks have also commenced in the green with steady gains.