Sensex up 26 pts, auto scrips weak

While selling pressure is seen in auto and cement stocks, profit-booking in other select old and new economy stocks has minimised the gains of the index in the afternoon trades.

The Sensex, as a result, is up 26 points at 6,905, while Nifty, too, has come off its highs at 2163 - up three points.

Satyam has jumped 2.47% (Rs 10) to Rs 415. While Infosys is unchanged with a per cent gain (Rs 18) at Rs 2,271, Wipro is up 1.16% (Rs 8) at Rs 730.

Hindalco has advanced 1.72% (Rs 24) to Rs 1,440. While Reliance is up 1.37% (Rs 8) at Rs 596, Tisco and Tata Power are marginally up at Rs 435 and Rs 402, respectively.

ITC (up Rs 11 to Rs 1,372) has slightly come off its highs. While HLL is up a rupee at Rs 146, Reliance is trading flat at Rs 586.

HDFC Bank has upped its gains by 1.47% (Rs 9) to Rs 610, and ICICI Bank is up a rupee at Rs 400. SBI, however, is still marginally weak at Rs 725.

Ranbaxy has gained 1.55% (Rs 16) to Rs 1,050. Dr. Reddy's and Cipla are still trading with a per cent gain each at Rs 730 and Rs 268, respectively.

Hero Honda has declined 1.61% (Rs 9) to Rs 553. While Bajaj is still trading weaker by 1.12% (Rs 12) at Rs 1,090, Maruti is down a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 465. Tata Motors, however, is trading in the green at Rs 482 - up Rs 3.