Sensex down 21 pts; HLL, Zee slump

The Infosys Q3 results has made no impact on the markets as it continues to switch between positive and negative zones. While selling pressure continues to grip heavyweights, pharma and auto stocks, buying in tech, cement and other select old economy stocks has pared the losses of the index.

The Sensex is now down 21 points at 6,202, while the Nifty has shed 15 points to 1,937.

HLL has dropped 3.19% (Rs 4) to Rs 137. Reliance has slipped a per cent (Rs 4) to Rs 521. ITC, which clocked gains in early trades, is down Rs 6 at Rs 1,267.

While Zee has plunged 3% (Rs 5) to Rs 158, ICICI Bank has dipped 1.48% (Rs 5) to Rs 345.

Ranbaxy has slumped 3.67% (Rs 41) to Rs 1,069. Dr. Reddy's has shed 2.62% (Rs 20) to Rs 744, and Cipla is down 1.18% (Rs 3) at Rs 265.

Hero Honda has shed 2.22% (Rs 13) to Rs 560. Bajaj (down Rs 4 to Rs 1,099) is also trading on a weak note. Tata Motors, however, is up a per cent (Rs 4) at Rs 484.

Infosys is up a tad at Rs 1,971. While Wipro has gained 1.57% (Rs 11) to Rs 684, Satyam is up a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 375.

ONGC is up a per cent (Rs 4) at Rs 785. BHEL is up a per cent (Rs 7) at Rs 745 on reports that the government is planning to divest part of its stake in this fiscal year.

Gujarat Ambuja has added 1.49% (Rs 6) to Rs 411. Grasim and ACC are up a per cent each at Rs 1,257 (up Rs 12) and Rs 337 (up Rs 3), respectively.

Select tech stocks have registered gains. TCS, which clocked an early high of Rs 1,368, is now up 2.58% (Rs 34) at Rs 1,347. While HCL Tech has gained 2.40% to Rs 320, Igate Global has added 2.12% to Rs 265.