Tech stocks lead surge

After a steady positive opening and a subsequent fall to touch a low of 6,873 in early trades, the index in mid-morning trades has gained ground on renewed buying in tech, pharma and select heavyweights.

The Sensex, which touched a high of 6,919, is now up 39 points at 6,918. The Nifty, after a flat opening, has gained 10 points to 2,170.

The market breadth, too, is firm with 1,033 gainers and 646 losers on the BSE.

Infosys has clocked a per cent gain (Rs 22) to Rs 2,275. While Satyam has advanced 2.16% (Rs 9) to Rs 414, Wipro has gained 1.62% (Rs 12) to Rs 722.

ITC has moved up 1.21% (Rs 16) to Rs 1,378. Reliance and HLL are still marginally up at Rs 586 and Rs 145, respectively.

Ranbaxy has gained 1.52% (Rs 16) to Rs 1,050. Dr. Reddy's and Cipla are up a per cent each at Rs 730 and Rs 268, respectively.

HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are up a per cent each at Rs 606 (up Rs 5) and Rs 402 (up Rs 2), respectively. SBI is up a rupee at Rs 727.

Hindalco has added 1.25% (Rs 18) to Rs 1,433, and L&T has gained Rs 11 to Rs 1,112. Reliance Energy has gained 1.56% (Rs 9) to Rs 597.

ONGC, however, after a positive opening, is down Rs 3 at Rs 899.

Bajaj (down Rs 12 to Rs 1,090) has slipped into the red after resuming in the green. While Hero Honda is down Rs 5 at Rs 558, Tata Motors has gained a per cent (Rs 4) to Rs 482.

PSU bank stocks are trading in the lime light. Andhra Bank, with a traded volume of over 13.51 lakh, has surged 6.73% (Rs 7) to Rs 114, while BoI, on a volume of over 15.26 lakh, has gained 5.81% (Rs 6) to Rs 114. Vijaya Bank, Allahabad Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Dena Bank, IDBI and Union Bank are up in a range of 2-4%.

Tech majors, too, have firmed up on strong buying support. SSI has vaulted 20% (Rs 10) to Rs 58. While Mphasis has nothced up 4% gains (Rs 10) to Rs 255, Tata Infotech is up 3.73% (Rs 15) at Rs 412. VisualSoft, NIIT, Polaris Lab, Ramco Systems and NIIT are trading with steady gains.