Sensex up 30 pts, banking stocks firm

The Sensex opened with a strong positive gap of 27 points at 7,374. Action in banking stocks and other select counters saw the index touch a new high of 7,393.

The Sensex is now up 30 points at 7,377, while the Nifty has added 11 points to 2,248.

SBI has logged 1.54% gains (Rs 11) to Rs 732. HDFC Bank has gained  a per cent (Rs 6) to Rs 645, while ICICI Bank is up 1.45% (Rs 6) at Rs 447.

TCS and Wipro are up a per cent each at Rs 1,326 (up Rs 9) and Rs 720 (up Rs 6), respectively. Satyam has added 1.16% (Rs 6) to Rs 503. Infosys, however, has resumed marginally lower at Rs 2,254.

ONGC is up a per cent (Rs 5) at Rs 921. Reliance Energy at Rs 657 (up Rs 7) and Reliance Industries at Rs 668 (up Rs 3), too, have commenced in the green with steady gains.

Hero Honda has dropped 2.95% (Rs 19) to Rs 617. Other auto majors have resumed on a mixed note.

Pharma and cement pivotals, too, have made a positive start.