Sensex opens strong, up 43 pts

After a late bargain hunting on the bourses yesterday, the Sensex opened 11 points higher over its yesterday's close at 6,5556. Sustained buying in old and new economy stocks lifted the index to an early high of 6,589. It is now up 43 points at 6,588.

The Nifty, too, has firmed up in early trades, and has added seven points to 2,062.

Reliance is up a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 536. ITC has gained Rs 5 to Rs 1,326. HLL is up a notch at Rs 160, after remaining subdued through the session yesterday.

SBI has gained 1.30% (Rs 8) to Rs 643. While HDFC Bank has added 1.53% (Rs 9) to Rs 579, ICICI Bank is up a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 366.

Infosys has clocked a per cent gain (Rs 14) to Rs 2,055. While Satyam, too, is up a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 406, Wipro is up Rs 3 at Rs 695.

ONGC is up a per cent (Rs 5) at Rs 825.

HPCL has added 1.59% (Rs 6) to Rs 362, while BHEL is up a per cent (Rs 8) at Rs 792. L&T has advanced 2.26% (Rs 22) to Rs 990.