Sensex up 23pts; ITC, ONGC, Hindalco firm

The Sensex is now up 23 points at 15,639.

ITC, Hindalco and ONGC have surged around 2% each to Rs 178, Rs 158 and Rs 854, respectively.

Reliance Communications has moved up 1.4% to Rs 547.

Mahindra & Mahindra has shed 1.4% to Rs 712. Cipla and Hindustan Unilever have delcined 1.3% each to Rs 183 and Rs 214, respectively.

Tata Motors and Reliance Energy are down around 1% each at Rs 704 and Rs 852, respectively.

Out of 2,729 stocks traded so far, 1,526 have advanced, 1,126 have declined and 77 are unchanged.