Sensex remains firm; tech, banking stocks surge

The Sensex, which opened firm and crossed the 6,500-mark in early trades, has added steady gains to touch a high of 6,527. Barring select auto and other old economy counters, the market-mood is bullish with the Sensex now up 73 points at 6,516. The Nifty has gained 22 points to 2,037.

Infosys has notched up 1.83% gains (Rs 39) to Rs 2,198. While Satyam has flared up 3.33% (Rs 13) to Rs 400, Wipro is up 1.18% (Rs 8) at Rs 654.

HDFC Bank has gained 3.26% (Rs 17) to Rs 536. While SBI has added 1.17% (Rs 8) to Rs 673, ICICI Bank has moved up 1.91% (Rs 7) to Rs 398.

ONGC has upped its gains by a per cent (Rs 9) to Rs 860. While Reliance has added 1.32% (Rs 7) to Rs 567, ITC and HLL are marginally down at Rs 1,319 and Rs 134, respectively.

Dr. Reddy's has added 2% (Rs 15) to Rs 766. While Ranbaxy has logged a per cent gain (Rs 11) to Rs 1,065, Cipla is up 1.42% (Rs 4) at Rs 257.

HDFC at Rs 707 (up Rs 16 or 2.32%), L&T at Rs 987 (up Rs 14 or 1.44%), Tata Power at Rs 348 (up Rs 7 or 2.17%) and Tisco at Rs 420 (up Rs 7 or 1.73%) are trading at higher levels.

Bajaj, however, is trading lower by 1.19% (Rs 12) at Rs 1,014. Other auto majors are displaying a divergent trend.

Bharti has shed 1.69% (Rs 4) to Rs 210.