Tech stocks lift market sentiment

Fresh gains in select tech, banking and other old economy stocks has seen the market shrug off its negative range-bound trend. The Sensex, as a result, has gained 21 points to 6,560, while the Nifty has advanced 12 points to 2,026.

Infosys has advanced 1.13% (Rs 24) to Rs 2,159, while Wipro has climbed 2.26% (Rs 15) to Rs 683. Satyam, however, is trading lower by a per cent (Rs 4) at Rs 455.

ONGC (up Rs 3 to Rs 871) has recovered from its losses. While ITC has trimmed gains to Rs 1,501 (up Rs 9), Reliance is trading on a lacklustre note at Rs 529 - down Rs 2.

SBI has advanced 1.66% (Rs 11) to Rs 661, and HDFC Bank is up with a steady gain of Rs 3 at Rs 549. ICICI Bank, however, is subdued with a loss of 1.12% (Rs 4) at Rs 398.

Tisco has moved up 1.91% (Rs 7) to Rs 358, and Tata Power is up 1.25% (Rs 5) at Rs 369. Zee, however, has lost 3.17% (Rs 5) to Rs 145.

Cipla has added 1.67% (Rs 5) to Rs 278, while Ranbaxy is up a per cent (Rs 8) at Rs 989. Dr. Reddy's, however, is down a per cent (Rs 4) at Rs 692.

Bajaj (down Rs 18 or 1.52% to Rs 1,198) is still trading at lower levels. Hero Honda has shed 1.57% (Rs 9) to Rs 563. Tata Motors has jumped 2.48% (Rs 11) to Rs 444, and Maruti is up a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 457.