Upward bias continues, Sensex up 43 pts

After a late morning recovery in the markets, the mood continues to remain upbeat in mid-noon trades following healthy gains in heavyweights, tech and other select old economy stocks.

The Sensex, which surged to a high of 6,713, is now up 43 points at 6,707. The Nifty has added 11 points to 2,083.

Reliance has moved up 1.68% (Rs 9) to Rs 535. ITC has flared up 2.20% (Rs 34) to Rs 1,592, and ONGC is up a per cent (Rs 7) at Rs 918.

Reliance Energy has notched up 4.18% gains (Rs 21) to Rs 519.

Infosys has gained a per cent (Rs 16) to Rs 2,244. While Wipro is up 1.42% (Rs 10) at Rs 716, Satyam has logged 1.45% gains (Rs 6) to Rs 450.

SBI has edged higher by 1.30% (Rs 9) to Rs 671. Other banking stocks, however, are displaying a divergent trend.

L&T has tumbled 1.96% (Rs 21) to Rs 1,039, and HPCL has slipped a per cent (Rs 3) to Rs 337. Bharti (up Rs 2 to Rs 223) is trading at steady levels.

Auto major Hero Honda (down Rs 11 or 1.90% to Rs 558) is still trading with sharp losses.