Sensex trades strong above 17K

Heavyweights have buoyed the markets further. The Sensex has gained 286 points to 17,028.

The Nifty is up 90 points at 5,110.

BSE mid and small cap indices have gained. The mid-cap index has jumped 1.2% to 6,888. The small cap index has surged 1.5% to 8,660.

Sterlite has jumped 3% to rs 654. Hindalco has gained 2.7% at Rs 147. Tata Steel has moved up 1.8% to Rs 493.

Tata Motors and Hero Honda have gained over 2.5% each to Rs 767 and Rs 2031, respectively. Maruti and Mahindra & Mahindra have added 2% each to Rs 1,305 and Rs 585, respectively.

Hindustan unilever, ONGC, ACC, Reliance Communications, Jaiprakash Associates, Reliance, HDFC Bank and DLF are the other big gainers.

The BSE market breadth is positive. out of 2,573 stocks traded, 75% have advanced while 21% have declined.