Sensex range-bound, down 18 pts

Although buying has emerged in pharma and other select old economy counters, the market is moving in a negative range-bound mode as sluggish trend continues in heavyweights, tech and banking counters.

The Sensex, as a result, is now down 18 points at 6,439, while the Nifty, too, is lacklustre at 1,983 - down 10 points.

Reliance (down Rs 4 to Rs 535), ONGC (down Rs 9 to Rs 876) and ITC (down Rs 5 to Rs 1,461) continue to trade at subdued levels.

Infosys continues to trade at its earlier lows, and is down 1.26% (Rs 26) at Rs 2,035. Wipro at Rs 638 (down Rs 4) and Satyam at Rs 425 (down Rs 6 or 1.40%) are still exhibiting weak trends.

ICICI Bank is still trading with a per cent loss (Rs 3) at Rs 390. While SBI is weak at Rs 616 (down Rs 3), HDFC Bank is trading with steady gains at Rs 532.

Cipla has moved up 1.43% (Rs 4) to Rs 281, While Ranbaxy and Dr. Reddy's are up a per cent each at Rs 986 and Rs 662, respectively.

Hero Honda has lost 1.11% (Rs 6) to Rs 546, and Maruti is down a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 435. Bajaj and Tata Motors, however, are up a rupee each at Rs 1,138 and Rs 434, respectively.

HDFC has jumped 2% (Rs 15) to Rs 765. While Zee is trading 1.89% higher (Rs 3) at Rs 159, BHEL has added Rs 5 to Rs 832.

Gujarat Ambuja and ACC are up a rupee each at Rs 446 and Rs 392, respectively, while Grasim is trading with marginal losses at Rs 1,146.