Sensex subdued, pharma stocks slump

The markets, after a firm opening and a subsequent fall, is still witnessing weak trends. Selling pressure continues in old and new economy stocks, and the Sensex is now down 34 points at 6,522. The Nifty, too, is weak at 2,048 - down 10 points.

ITC has declined 1.46% (Rs 20) to Rs 1,342. While SBI has lost 1.24% (Rs 8) to Rs 635, HDFC Bank has declined 1.67% (Rs 9) to Rs 555.

Dr. Reddy's is reeling under selling pressure, and has shed nearly 5% (Rs 36) to Rs 700. While Ranbaxy has tumbled 1.66% (Rs 18) to Rs 1,067, Cipla is down a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 284.

Maruti, which came out with its January sales numbers, is trading lower by 1.87% (Rs 8) at Rs 443. While Tata Motors has slumped 2.23% (Rs 11) to Rs 493, Bajaj has scaled down 1.14% (Rs 12) to Rs 1,026.

Satyam has dropped 2.49% (Rs 10) to Rs 404. Infosys (down Rs 2 to Rs 2,065) has slipped marginally from the higher levels. Wipro, however, is up Rs 4 at Rs 708.

HPCL is down 1.18% (Rs 4) at Rs 359. While L&T has slipped 1.57% (Rs 16) to Rs 989, Reliance Energy is down a per cent (Rs 4) at Rs 546. Zee has declined 2.58% (Rs 4) to Rs 151.

Reliance has clocked a per cent gain (Rs 4) to Rs 537, and HLL has gained 2% (Rs 3) to Rs 163.

Hindalco and BHEL are up a per cent each at Rs 1,310 (up Rs 9) and Rs 757 (up Rs 6), respectively.