Tech stocks drag down Sensex

Downward trend led by tech stocks, followed with weakness in banking, auto and other select old economy stocks, has further dampened the market sentiment in the afternoon trades.

The Sensex, which touched a low of 6,654, has now lost 41 points to 6,667. The Nifty is down five points at 2,071.

Wipro has dropped 2.22% (Rs 16) to Rs 708. While Satyam has shed 2.21% (Rs 10) to Rs 447, Infosys has edged lower by 1.20% (Rs 27) to Rs 2,205.

ICICI Bank has scaled down 1.71% (Rs 7) to Rs 391. SBI and HDFC Bank are down Rs 3 each at Rs 665 and Rs 536, respectively.

Reliance is trading on a lacklustre note at Rs 528 - down Rs 3.

Hero Honda has lost 1.59% (Rs 9) to Rs 569. While Tata Motors has declined 1.51% (Rs 7) to Rs 436, Maruti is down Rs 3 at Rs 463.

Hindalco has tumbled 2.86% (Rs 34) to Rs 1,140, and L&T is down 2.79% (Rs 30) at Rs 1,064. Bharti is down 1.71% (Rs 4) at Rs 221. HDFC (down Rs 6 to Rs 758), too, is trading at lower levels.

HLL is trading firm with a strong gain of 3.29% (Rs 5) at Rs 143. ONGC has shed some gains on profit-taking to Rs 906 - up Rs 6. BHEL is up a per cent (Rs 9) at Rs 881.