Sensex steady

The Sensex is still holding on to its steady gains, and is up 12 points at 6,568. While buying remains firm in heavyweights, profit-taking in pharma, tech and other select old economy counters has curbed the gains of the index. The Nifty, too, is steady at 2,066 - up eight points.

Reliance has advanced 2.25% (Rs 12) to Rs 545. HLL, on significant buying support, has flared up 6.16% (Rs 10) to Rs 170. ITC, however, is still subdued with a per cent loss (Rs 11) at Rs 1,351.

ONGC has clocked a per cent gain (Rs 8) to Rs 827.

SBI and HDFC Bank are down a per cent each at Rs 636 (down Rs 6) and Rs 560 (down Rs 4), respectively. ICICI Bank, however, is up a notch at Rs 361.

Bajaj is still trading with a per cent gain (Rs 11) at Rs 1,049. Tata Motors has declined 1.62% (Rs 8) to Rs 496.

Bharti, on fresh selling pressure, has shed 2.37% (Rs 5) to Rs 225. L&T has lost 1.42% (Rs 14) to Rs 991. Hindalco has moved up nearly 2% (Rs 25) to Rs 1,325, on renewed buying support. BHEL (up Rs 7 to Rs 758) has pared gains on profit-taking.

Pharma majors Dr. Reddy's (down Rs 30 or 4.11% to Rs 706), Ranbaxy (down Rs 13 or 1.19% to Rs 1,072) and Cipla (down Rs 2 to Rs 285) are still trading with steep losses.