Sensex weak in early trades, down 21 pts

The Sensex, which resistered steady gains in the opening bell, lost ground owing to profit-taking in heavyweights, tech and other select old economy stocks. It has now lost 21 points to 6,573. The Nifty is down two points at 2,068.

Reliance has lost a per cent (Rs 4) to Rs 533. is down Rs 2 at Rs 535. HLL is down a rupee at Rs 160 ahead of its quarter and full year results to be declared tommorrow. ITC has slipped a per cent (Rs 8) to Rs 1,320.

ONGC is down Rs 2 at Rs 821. Infosys has resumed weak with a loss of Rs 10 at Rs 2,034. Wipro and Satyam have also slipped in early trades at Rs 689 and Rs 405, respectively.

While HDFC Bank has lost 1.37% (Rs 8) to Rs 580, SBI is down Rs 3 at Rs 649.

ACC's share price continues to rise above the Holcim's offer price, and the stock has flared up 1.55% (Rs 6) to Rs 380 in the opening trades. While Gujarat Ambuja is marginally up at Rs 458, Grasim is trading lower by Rs 3 at Rs 1,347.

Bharti, after remaining weak for the last two successive sessions, has opened in the green at Rs 213 - up Rs 3 or 1.58%.