Sensex opens firm, up 26 pts

The Sensex opened six points higher over its last close at 6,556. Steady buying at lower levels in select old and economy stocks lifted the index to an early high of 6,588. It is now up 26 points at 6,576, while the Nifty is at 2,055 - up three points.

Reliance has advanced 1.23% (Rs 7) to Rs 562. While ITC has clocked a per cent gain (Rs 8) to Rs 1,358, HLL has commenced with a rupee gain at Rs 131. ONGC, however, is trading weak with a per cent loss (Rs 7) at Rs 905.

Infosys is up a per cent (Rs 13) at Rs 2,233. Satyam (up Rs 2 to Rs 419) and Wipro (up Rs 5 to Rs 665), too, have registered decent gains in the opening bell.

SBI has moved up a per cent (Rs 7) to Rs 652. HDFC Bank is up a rupee at Rs 543, while ICICI Bank has dipped Rs 5 to Rs 420.

HPCL has added 1.72% (Rs 5) to Rs 322, and Zee has added 2.72% (Rs 4) to Rs 143. BHEL is up a per cent (Rs 8) at Rs 809.

Dr. Reddy's and Cipla have resumed with steady gains at Rs 753 and Rs 260, respectively.