Sensex hits new high of 12,690, now up 144pts

The Sensex, which hit a new all-time high of 12,691 in morning deals, is now up 144 points at 12,681.

HDFC Bank is still up 3.7% (Rs 36) at Rs 995. Reliance Communications is nearly up 3% at Rs 356.

HLL, Infosys and ICICI Bank are steady at Rs 237, Rs 2,053 and Rs 698, respectively.

HDFC has gained Rs 22 to Rs 1,522.

Advances are nearly two times ahead of declines - out of 2,100 scrips traded, 1,340 have moved up, 700 have slipped.