Sensex opens firm, up 53 pts

The Sensex has commenced on a firm note at 7,616 - up 21 points over its last close. Sharp rally in select old and new economy stocks lifted the index to a high of 7,671, and is now presently been quoted at 7,648 - up 53 points. The Nifty, too, has advanced 10 points to 2,329 over its previous close.

ICICI Bank has advanced 2% (Rs 10) to Rs 492, and HDFC Bank has logged 1.47% gains (Rs 10) to Rs 664. SBI is up a per cent (Rs 7) at Rs 783.

Satyam has gained 1.92% (Rs 10) to Rs 507. Infosys and TCS are up a per cent each at Rs 2,282 (up Rs 18) and Rs 1,297 (up Rs 12), respectively.

Reliance has clocked a per cent gain (Rs 7) to Rs 714. ONGC and NTPC are weak at Rs 948 and Rs 97, respectively.

ACC has jumped 2.24% (Rs 10) to Rs 440, while Grasim is up a per cent (Rs 11) at Rs 1,269.

Bharti has added 1.96% (Rs 6) to Rs 297, while Tisco is up 1.64% (Rs 6) at Rs 394.