Sensex up 70pts; Auto stocks in demand

The Sensex slipped into the red to touch a low of 11,635, but soon bounced and is now up 70 points at 11,717.

Cipla has soared 4.7% to Rs 259.

Auto stocks are in demand. Maruti and Bajaj Auto have moved up nearly 2% each to Rs 883 and Rs 2,885, respectively. Tata Motors has spurted 1.5% to Rs 931, and Hero Honda has gained 1% at Rs 834.

Tata Steel has advanced 1.7% to Rs 634, and Hindalco has added 1.5% to Rs 209.

HDFC is up 1.6% at Rs 1,275. Satyam and Infosys are up 1% each at Rs 772 and Rs 3,178, respectively.

Out of 1,776 stocks traded so far, 1,166 have moved up, 563 have slipped and 47 are unchanged.