Sensex up 256pts; HDFC Bank slips 2%

The Sensex is now up 256 points at 18,782.

HDFC and DLF have soared over 4.5% each to Rs 2,680 and Rs 860, respectively.

Tata Motors and Reliance Energy have surged 4% each to Rs 720 and Rs 1,670, respectively.

Infosys has gained 3.5% at Rs 1,585. Larsen & Toubro has rallied 3% to Rs 4,060.

NTPC has moved up 2.6% to Rs 234. Hindalco and Bajaj Auto have advanced over 2% each to Rs 190 and Rs 2,525,  respectively.

BHEL has added nearly 2% to Rs 2,531. Hindustan Unilever is up 1.5% at Rs 205.

HDFC Bank has slipped 1.6% to Rs 1,569.

Out of 2,721 stocks traded so far, 1,888 have advanced, 771 have declined and 62 are unchanged.