Upmove continues... Sensex up 726pts

The Sensex has extended gains and is now up 726 points to 17,675.

The NSE Nifty has gained 220 points to 5,149.

BHEL has zoomed 8.6% to Rs 2,153, and Hindalco has soared 7.5% to Rs 161.

DLF and Reliance Energy have surged around 6.5% each to Rs 869 and Rs 1,658, respectively.

ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever and Reliance Communications have rallied 6% each to Rs 1,165, Rs 205 and Rs 591, respectively.

HDFC Bank, ONGC and Larsen & Toubro have moved up around 5.5% each to Rs 1,550, Rs 995 and Rs 3,451, respectively.

Reliance and NTPC are up over 5% each to Rs 2,512 and Rs 197, respectively.

Out of 2,600 stocks traded so far, 1,742 have advanced, 809 have declined and 49 are unchanged.