Sensex steady

 Metal stocks have firmed up on strong buying support. Sun Iron and Steel has shot up 7.86% to Rs 15. While Kalyani Steel has flared up 4.61% to Rs 100, Gujarat NRE Coke has added 4.22% to Rs 183. Mukand has gained 3.79% to Rs 46, and Jindal Steel is up 3.34% at Rs 950.

 Select consumer goods stocks have registered decent gains in early trades. Greaves Cotton has advanced 4.51% (Rs 5) to Rs 109, and Usha Martin has jumped 4.35% (Rs 3) to Rs 84. While Fag Bearing has added 2.81% to Rs 161, Graphite Industries is up 2.24% at Rs 137.