Sensex ends flat, HLL gains 3%

The Sensex opened on a positive note at 8,255 - a gain of 33 points against the last close of 8,222. The index zoomed to a high of 8,327 in morning deals.

Profit-taking saw the index drift lower to touch a low of 8,122 - an intra-day swing of 205 points. After moving in a narrow range towards the closing bell, the Sensex was finally up a point at at 8,223.

HLL was firm right through the session, and closed with a gain of over 3% (Rs 5) at Rs 170. ITC was up a rupee at Rs 138.

While Reliance dropped Rs 7 to Rs 748, ONGC declined Rs 6 to Rs 990. SBI was down  Rs 2 at Rs 890.

Infosys dropped Rs 13 to Rs 2,400, but TCS was up Rs 8 at Rs 1,411.

Grasim advanced over 3% (Rs 40) to Rs 1,350. ACC added Rs 7 to Rs 463.

Tata Motors gained over 2% (Rs 11) to Rs 511. Maruti and Hero Honda also finished with gains.

Bharti was up Rs 4 at Rs 339. ICICI Bank, which was weak through the session, finally closed with a gain of Rs 15 at Rs 588. BHEL was up Rs 13 at Rs 1,115. Hindalco, Reliance Energy, Tata Power and Tata Steel moved up marginally today.

HDFC Bank was down 3.8% (Rs 26) to Rs 670. Cipla, Dr. Reddy's and Ranbaxy also declined.