Sensex down 172pts; NTPC stands firm

The Sensex is now down 172 points at 12,877.

ACC and Grasim have plunged around 7% each to Rs 775 and Rs 2,085, respectively. Gujarat Ambuja has shed 3.5% to Rs 109.

ITC and BHEL have dropped 3% each to Rs 155 and Rs 2,108, respectively. Reliance Communications and Cipla have slipped 2.7% each to Rs 422 and Rs 230, respectively.

Dr.Reddy's and Larsen & Toubro have declined around 2.5% each to Rs 660 and Rs 1,485, respectively.

NTPC has surged 2.7% to Rs 140, and Hero Honda has advanced over 1% to Rs 681.

Out of 2,412 stocks traded so far, 1,323 have declined, 1,036 have advanced and 53 are unchanged.