Sensex steady, up 35 pts

The mood in the market remains optimistic with the Sensex moving in a range of 7,220 and 7,230 since mid-morning trades. While Reliance counters and tech stocks continue to trade on a strong note, weakness is still prevailing in select banking, select heavyweights and auto stocks.

The Sensex is now up 35 points at 7,223, while the Nifty is steady at 2,193 - up eight points.

Reliance Industries has advanced 2.25% (Rs 14) to Rs 657, and Reliance Energy is up 1.38% (Rs 9) at Rs 630.

Dr. Reddy's at Rs 744 (up Rs 6) and Cipla (up Rs 5 to Rs 330) are trading at higher levels since early trades.

Infosys has gained 1.27% (Rs 27) to Rs 2,161. While TCS has surged 2% (Rs 26) to Rs 1,250, Satyam is up a per cent (Rs 5) at Rs 482. Wipro, too, is unchanged with a per cent gain (Rs 4) at Rs 700.

ITC, which rallied sharply yesterday, has lost a per cent (Rs 10) to Rs 1,756 after early gains. ONGC has recovered partially and is now down a per cent (Rs 6) at Rs 916.

While ICICI Bank has declined 1.67% (Rs 7) to Rs 438, HDFC Bank (down Rs 4 to Rs 641) is trading on a subdued note.

Bajaj is still down a per cent (Rs 8) at Rs 1,375. Hero Honda at Rs 618 (down Rs 3), too, is trading at higher levels. Maruti is up a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 452.