Sensex up 12 pts, tech stocks gain

The Sensex opened on a firm note at 6,848 (up 15 pts over its last close) and advanced further to touch a high of 6,852. It is now up 12 points at 6,845 as tech, banking and other select old economy stocks have commenced at higher levels. The Nifty is up four points at 2,107.

Infosys, TCS and Wipro have resumed with per cent gains each at Rs 2,239 (up Rs 18), Rs 1,278 (up Rs 6) and Rs 727 (up Rs 5), respectively. Satyam at Rs 475 (up Rs 2), too, has commenced in the green.

ONGC is up a per cent (Rs 6) at Rs 925. ITC and HLL have resumed weak at Rs 1,562 and Rs 148, respectively.

ICICI Bank has added 1.26% (Rs 5) to Rs 429, while HDFC Bank has gained Rs 5 to Rs 588. SBI, however, is marginally down at Rs 681.

Bharti is up 1.19% (Rs 3) at Rs 225, while L&T has lost a per cent (Rs 11) to Rs 1,138.

Cement scrips have commenced with steady gains, while pharma counters are flat.