Sensex up 44pts; HDFC, ICICI rally

The Sensex is now up 44 points 12,411.

HDFC has zoomed 5% to Rs 1,520. ICICI Bank has rallied over 3% to Rs 710.

Ranbaxy has surged 2.4% to Rs 431. SBI has advanced 1.8% to Rs 1,017, and HDFC Bank has added 1.6% to Rs 914.

ONGC, Cipla and ACC are the other smart gainers.

Laresn & Toubro, Dr.Reddy's and Maruti have slipped 1.4% each to Rs 1,281, Rs 728 and Rs 950, respectively.

Reliance Communications is down 1% at Rs 343.

Out of 2,438 stocks traded so far, 1,333 have advanced, 1,003 have declined and the rest are unchanged.