Sensex up 288pts; breadth firm

The Sensex is now up 288 points at 18,814.

Reliance Energy has zoomed 6.5% to Rs 1,710. DLF has soared 4.5% to Rs 860.

NTPC has surged 3.8% to Rs 236. HDFC and Larsen & Toubro have rallied 3.5% each to Rs 2,653 and Rs 4,076, respectively.

Tata Motors and Bajaj Auto have advanced 2.5% each to Rs 709 and Rs 2,530, respectively.

Reliance has gained 2% at Rs 2,786. BHEL and Infosys have moved up 1.7% each to Rs 2,526 and Rs 1,557, respectively.

HDFC Bank has plunged 2.7% to Rs 1,550. Maruti has slipped 2% to Rs 947.

Out of 2,823 stocks traded so far, 1,712 have advanced, 1,051 have declined and 60 are unchanged.