Sensex firm

The Sensex has gained 44 points to 6,589 following gains in old and new economy stocks. The Nifty has added 14 points to 2,069.

Reliance (up Rs 2 to Rs 536) and ITC (up Rs 7) are trading with steady gains. HLL is marginally down at Rs 159 after a steady opening.

SBI has logged 1.47% gains (Rs 9) to Rs 644. HDFC Bank has gained 1.80% (Rs 10) to Rs 580, while ICICI Bank is up 1.14% (Rs 4) at Rs 367.

Infosys (up Rs 8 to Rs 2,049) and Satyam (up Rs 4 to Rs 406) are marginally up, while Wipro is up a rupee at Rs 693.

HPCL is steady with a gain of 2.16% (Rs 8) at Rs 364, while ONGC is up a per cent (Rs 7) at Rs 827.

L&T has jumped 2.43% (Rs 23) to Rs 992. BHEL has moved up nearly 2% (Rs 15) to Rs 799. Tisco and Tata Power are trading with a per cent gain each at Rs 400 and Rs 398, respectively.

Bharti, however, has shed 2% (Rs 4) to Rs 210.