Sensex up 73pts; ITC, HLL lead

The Sensex is now up 73 points at 12,083.

ITC and HLL have surged 2.8% each to Rs 187 and Rs 250, respectively.

HDFC, Cipla, Larsen & Toubro and Reliance Communications have advanced 2.5% each to Rs 1,364, Rs 261, Rs 2,706 and Rs 325, respectively.

BHEL and Ranbaxy have added 1.5% each to Rs 2,303 and Rs 420, respectively.

SBI, Dr.Reddy's, Hero Honda, Reliance Energy and Wipro are the other smart gainers.

Tata Motors and Tata Steel have slipped 1% each to Rs 861 and Rs 500, respectively.

Out of 2,524 stocks traded so far, 1,327 have advanced, 1,109 have declined and the rest are unchanged.