Sensex ends in red on weak global cues : tech, pharma down

The S&P BSE Sensex ended a volatile session on flat-to-negative note as global markets remained under pressure on concerns of global economic growth. Outflows of dollars from emerging markets including India also added to the woes.

The International Monetary Fund has cut global growth forecast and that for emerging market economies as a whole. The IMF expects global economy to grow by 3.8 per cent next year, lower than its July forecast of 4 per cent.

The 30-share index ended at 26,246.79, down 25.18 points or 0.10 per cent. It touched a high of 26,338.31 and a low of 26,150.09 in trade today.

The Nifty closed at 7,842.70, down 9.70 points or 0.12 per cent. It touched a high of 7,869.90 and a low of 7,815.75 in trade today.

The S&P BSE Midcap Index was slipped 0.23 per cent and the S&P BSE Smallcap Index gained 0.06 per cent.

The S&P BSE Capital goods Index gained 1.61 per cent, the S&P BSE Auto Index was 0.58 per cent higher and S&P BSE Bankex advanced 1.09 per cent.

The S&P BSE IT Index fell 3.44 per cent and the S&P BSE Healthcare Index was down 3.27 per cent.

Infosys (4.70 per cent), Dr Reddy's Laboratories (4.37 per cent), Sun Pharma (4.31 per cent), Wipro (4.03 per cent) and Cipla (2.51 per cent) were among the top losers.

Tata Steel (up 3.52 per cent), L&T (up 2.32 per cent), ONGC (up 2.30 per cent), NTPC (up 2.24 per cent) and BHEL (up 2.10 per cent) were among the Sensex gainers.

The market breadth was negative on the BSE with 1343 gainers against 1562 losers.
Source : economictimes

Sensex up more than 1 pc on firm Asian markets

Source ET
Indian shares were up more than 1 percent in early trade on Tuesday tracking firm Asian equities, and after the finance minister said he expects the economy to grow by nearly 9 percent in the next fiscal year.

At 9:16 a.m. (0346 GMT), the 30-share BSE index, or Sensex, was up 1.03 percent at 18,006.32 points, with 29 components advancing. It started up 0.96 percent.

The 50-share NSE index was up 1 percent at 5386.80 points.

Indian markets up ahead of union budget

Indian shares were up 0.2 percent in early trade on Monday ahead of the federal budget.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee , who is scheduled to begin the budget speech at 11 a.m. (0530 GMT), faces the daunting task of appeasing voters weary of high inflation while trying to tame fiscal deficit.

At 9:16 a.m. (0346 GMT), the 30-share BSE index, or Sensex, was up 0.24 percent at 17,743.58 points, with 18 components advancing. It started up 0.6 percent.

The 50-share NSE index was up 0.3 percent at 5,320.60.

Nifty moves higher; IDFC, RCapital, ONGC, HDFC up

Indian markets were witnessing buying activity across ahead of the Union Budget to be tabled in the parliament today. All the sectoral indices except the auto space were in the positive terrain. According to analysts, the market may turn volatile as the session progresses.

At 9:45 am; National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5342.35, up 38.80 points or 0.73 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5316.55 and high of 5346.25 in trade so far.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 17787.52, up 86.61 points or 0.49 per cent. The 30-share index touched a low of 17732.38 and high of 17832.72 in trade so far.

“The trend deciding level for the day is 17661 / 5292 levels. If NIFTY trades above this level during the first half-an-hour of trade then we may witness a further rally up to 17852 – 18004 / 5350 - 5397 levels. However, if NIFTY trades below 17661 / 5292 levels for the first half-an-hour of trade then it may correct up to 17510 – 17319 / 5245 - 5186 levels,” said Angel Broking note.

BSE Midcap Index was up 1.06 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 1.17 per cent higher.

Amongst the sectoral indices, BSE Capital Goods Index was up 1.35 per cent, BSE Oil&gas Index moved 1.23 per cent up and BSE Power Index gained 0.96 per cent. BSE Auto Index was down 1.10 per cent.

IDFC (4.31%), Reliance Capital (3.43%), Power Grid (2.82%), ONGC (2.61%) and HDFC (2.10%) were amongst the major Nifty gainers.

Tata Motors (-2.58%), Hero Honda (-2.52%), Hindalco (-1.62%), ACC (-1.43%) and Ambuja Cement (-1.29%) were the top losers.

Market breadth was positive on the NSE with 1378 advances against 491 declines.

Sensex firm as FM begins budget speech

Benchmarks held on to early morning gains as Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee began his budget speech in the parliament. The rally was led by gains in PSU, capital goods and oil&gas space while auto and metals stocks lagged behind.

At 11:05 am; Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 17839.38, up 138.47 points or 0.78 per cent. The 30-share index touched a low of 17732.38 and high of 17871.41 in trade so far.

National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5342.75, up 39.20 points or 0.74 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5316.55 and high of 5356.05 in trade so far.

BSE Midcap Index was up 1.02 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 1.07 per cent higher.

Amongst the sectoral indices, BSE PSU Index was up 2.35 per cent, BSE Capital Goods Index moved up 2.06 per cent and BSE Oil&gas Index gained 2.03 per cent. BSE Auto Index was down 1.19 per cent and BSE Metal Index slipped 0.03 per cent.

Nifty gains momentum; PSU, realty, oil&gas up

Markets reacted positively to the union budget presented by the finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Lok Sabha. PSU, realty and oil&gas sectoral indices led the rally while auto space was marginally lower.

At 12 pm; National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5378.10, up 74.55 points or 1.41 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5316.55 and high of 5395.85 in trade so far.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 17934.14, up 233.23 points or 1.32 per cent. The 30-share index touched a low of 17732.38 and high of 17983.62 in trade so far.

BSE Midcap Index was up 1.19 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 1.28 per cent higher.

Amongst the sectoral indices, BSE PSU Index was up 2.75 per cent, BSE Realty Index moved up 2.74 per cent and BSE Oil&gas Index gained 2.37 per cent. BSE Auto Index was down 0.37 per cent.

Reliance Capital (7.46%), IDFC (6.45%), BPCL (4.06%), ONGC (3.99%) and HDFC (3.95%) were amongst the major Nifty gainers.

Hero Honda (-3.16%), Tata Motors (-2.53%), ACC (-1.62%), Ranbaxy Laboratories (-1.48%) and Tata Power (-1.27%) were the top losers.

Market breadth was positive on the NSE with 1692 advances against 723 declines.

Sensex touches 18000; M&M, ITC, Maruti, L&T up

Indian markets reacted positively to the Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the parliament. The minister has proposed to raise Rs 40,000 crores through disinvestment. He added that fiscal deficit for FY 11-12 is seen at seen at 4.6%.

At 1:17 pm; Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 18091.12, up 390.21 points or 2.20 per cent. The 30-share index touched a low of 17718.88 and high of 18128.97 in trade so far.

National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5418.50, up 114.95 points or 2.17 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5312.25 and high of 5430.25 in trade so far.

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.91 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 1.06 per cent higher.

Amongst the sectoral indices, BSE FMCG Index advanced 4.34 per cent, BSE PSU Index moved up 2.70 per cent and BSE Realty Index gained 2.51 per cent. BSE Auto Index was up 2.41 per cent.

Shares of auto companies bounced back in positive territory as the Finance Minister didn’t hike the excise duty on automobiles as feared by the industry, say analysts.

M&M (7.45%), ITC (6.95%), Maruti (4.55%), L&T (3.50%) and HDFC (3.19%) were amongst the major Sensex gainers.

Tata Power (-1.25%), Reliance Infrastructure (-0.86%) and Hero Honda (-0.22%) were the only losers.

Market breadth was positive on the BSE with 1760 advances against 866 declines.

Sensex erases gains, below 18000 points

Benchmarks gave away most of intraday gains as post-budget euphoria came to an end and as traders booked profit near crucial resistance levels. The Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in his budget speech said fiscal deficit for FY 11-12 is seen at 4.6%. He has proposed to raise Rs 40,000 crores through disinvestment.

At 3 pm; National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5318.95, up 15.40 points or 0.29 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5312.25 and high of 5477 in trade so far.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 17797.20, up 96.29 points or 0.54 per cent. The 30-share index touched a low of 17718.88 and high of 18296.53 intraday.

"The budget is positive for equity markets, the budget is positive for the bond markets as well and I do believe that he has made some changes including on the equity side which the major change which I think is path breaking is the whole change on mutual funds being allowed to borrowed or to raise money in equities from foreign investors I think that is a big plus.," said Uday Kotak, Executive Vice Chairman & MD, Kotak Mahindra Bank

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.26 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 0.33 per cent higher.

Amongst the sectoral indices, BSE FMCG Index advanced 4.08 per cent, BSE PSU Index moved up 1.78 per cent and BSE Realty Index gained 1.21 per cent. BSE Metal Index was down 0.52 per cent and BSE Auto Index moved 0.30 per cent lower.

"It is a pleasant surprise in fact this budget is sentiment changer for the market. There are quite a few things that have come in the budget were not expected and on the fiscal deficit front there is bit of accounting but still it is very positive. Mutual funds will get foreign investors to invest directly. So market is expecting that there will be more equity flow into the market," said Nirmal Jain, chairman & MD, IIFL.

Sesa Goa (-8.16%), Ambuja Cement (-5.51%), Reliance Infrastructure (-4.40%), Ranbaxy Laboratories (-3.62%) and Tata Motors (-3.26%) were the top Nifty losers.

ITC (6.14%), IDFC (5.22%), Reliance Capital (4.23%), M&M (2.82%) and Cairn India (2.46%) were the top gainers.

Market breadth was positive on the NSE with 1561 advances against 1051 declines. 

Sensex ends above 17800; PSU, FMCG, realty up

Benchmarks ended in the positive territory after paring most of intraday gains as post-budget euphoria came to an end. FMCG, PSU and realty space led the rally while auto and power space closed marginally lower.

The Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in his budget speech said fiscal deficit for FY 11-12 is seen at 4.6%. He has proposed to raise Rs 40,000 crores through disinvestment.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex closed at 17832.12, up 131.21 points or 0.74 per cent. The 30-share index touched a low of 17718.88 and high of 18296.53 intraday.

National Stock Exchange’s Nifty ended at 5334.20, up 30.65 points or 0.58 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5308.60 and high of 5477 in today’s trade.

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.37 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 0.40 per cent higher.

Amongst the sectoral indices, BSE FMCG Index advanced 4.57 per cent, BSE PSU Index moved up 1.99 per cent and BSE Realty Index gained 1.29 per cent. BSE Auto Index was down 0.18 per cent and BSE Power Index moved 0.10 per cent lower.

ITC (8.55%), Maruti (4.80%), ONGC (3.46%), M&M (2.84%) and SBI (2.40%) were the top gainers.

Reliance Infrastructure (-5.19%), Jaiprakash Associates (-3.51%), Hero Honda (-2.79%), Tata Motors (-2.45%), and Reliance Communications (-2.06%) were the top Nifty losers.

Market breadth was positive on the BSE with 1545 advances against 1228 declines.

Source ET 

Sensex ends in green; realty, metals, capital goods up

Indian shares up; Tata Steel rebounds, Unitech down

Indian shares edged 0.2 percent higher early on Wednesday, with Tata Steel rebounding after falling initially.

At 9:17 a.m. (0347 GMT), the 30-share BSE index was up 0.15 percent at 18,301.73 points, with 17 components advancing.

Tata Steel reversed early losses and climbed more than 1 percent. The world's No. 7 steelmaker said late on Tuesday its quarterly net profit more than doubled, driven by demand and pricing in Europe and robust growth at its Indian operations.

But the company lagged estimates as higher raw material costs squeezed margins.

Unitech slipped 2.7 percent after Indian police on Tuesday questioned a top executive of the real estate developer as part of a probe into a telecoms corruption scandal that has roiled politics.

The 50-share NSE index was up 0.04 percent at 5,483.25. 

Nifty choppy; Tata Steel, Ambuja Cement, L&T up

At 10:41 am; National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5490.15, up 9.15 points or 0.17 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5466.80 and high of 5497.50 in trade so far.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 18276.37, up 2.57 points or 0.01 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18238.73 and high of 18349.17 intraday.

“On the daily chart we are observing that prices have marginally closed above the downward sloping channel but have formed a “Doji” pattern. This suggests indecisiveness prevailing at current levels.

In coming trading session if indices trade above 18370 / 5510 levels then they are likely to test 18542 – 18600 / 5566 - 5580 levels. On the downside, 18050 – 17990 / 5400 – 5380 may act as support for the day,” said Angel Broking note.

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.45 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 1.03 per cent higher.

Amongst sectoral indices, BSE Metal Index was up 0.97 per cent, BSE Capital Goods Index gained 0.79 per cent and BSE Healthcare Index gained 0.67 per cent. BSE Realty Index was down 0.81 per cent and BSE Auto Index declined 0.59 per cent.

Tata Steel (3.29%), Ambuja Cement (2.43%), Jindal Steel (2.24%), Jaiprakash Associates (2.07%) and L&T (1.92%) were amongst the major Nifty gainers.

HDFC (-2.51%), IDFC (-2.36%), M&M (-1.69%), Hindalco (-1.41%) and DLF (-1%) were the top losers.

Market breadth was positive on the NSE with 1486 gainers against 772 losers. 

Sensex moves up; realty, metals, capital goods gain

At 12:50 pm; Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 18339.72, up 65.92 points or 0.36 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18216.12 and high of 18358.84 intraday.

National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5495.65, up 14.65 points or 0.27 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5460.35 and high of 5504.80 in trade so far.

“Yesterday’s market action hints that, Nifty entered into a consolidation zone after 2-days sharp rally. Consolidation is expected sideways between 5400 (which is also a 13-DMA) & 5550. During this consolidation, mid-caps are expected to take charge of market,” said Arihant Capital Market report.

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.51 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 1.07 per cent higher.

Amongst sectoral indices, BSE Realty Index was up 2.13 per cent, BSE Metals Index gained 1.14 per cent and BSE Capital Goods Index gained 0.94 per cent. BSE Auto Index was down 0.19 per cent.

Jaiprakash Associates (4.08%), Tata Steel (2.63%), Jindal Steel (2.30%), Bajaj Auto (1.34%) and L&T (1.30%) were amongst the major Nifty gainers.

M&M (-2.31%), HDFC (-2.18%), Hindalco (-1.69%), Reliance Communications (-1.04%) and Tata Motors (-0.86%) were the top losers.

Market breadth was positive on the BSE with 1636 gainers against 1026 losers. 

Nifty rangebound; JP Asso,Tata Steel,Axis Bank up

At 2:50 pm; National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5489.15, up 8.15 points or 0.15 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5460.35 and high of 5504.80 in trade so far.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 18315.84, up 42.04 points or 0.23 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18216.12 and high of 18358.84 intraday.

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.48 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 0.90 per cent higher. 

Sensex ends in green; realty, metals, capital goods up

Benchmarks ended lackluster session on a positive note due to lack of buying interest at current levels. Meanwhile some retail participation saw midcaps outperforming the frontliners.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex ended at 18316.44, up 42.64 points or 0.23 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18216.12 and high of 18358.84 in today’s trade.

National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5487.40, up 6.40 points or 0.12 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5460.35 and high of 5504.80 intraday.

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.58 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 1.09 per cent higher.

Amongst sectoral indices, BSE Realty Index was up 2.14 per cent, BSE Metals Index gained 1.67 per cent and BSE Capital Goods Index moved 0.44 per cent higher. BSE Healthcare Index was down 0.72 per cent.

Jaiprakash Associates (6.79%), Tata Steel (4.37%), Jindal Steel (3.97%), Wipro (2.99%) and Tata Power (1.74%) were amongst the major Sensex gainers.

HDFC (-2.53%), Reliance Communications (-1.73%), M&M (-1.55%), Hero Honda (-1.24%) and ONGC (-1.18%) were the top losers.

Market breadth was positive on the BSE with 1551 gainers against 1124 losers.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Nifty ends higher; RCap, RCom, RIL, Kotak, PNB up

Sensex edges up; Reliance Comm, Unitech fall

 Indian shares edged up 0.4 percent in choppy early trade on Tuesday, with financials leading the rise. 

At 9:21 a.m. (0351 GMT), the 30-share BSE index was up 0.39 percent at 18,273.45 points, with 19 components advancing. It had briefly turned negative.

The 50-share NSE index was up 0.2 percent at 5,466.50

Nifty turns choppy; realty, capital goods down

At 9:35 am; National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was flat at 5456.10, up 0.10 points. The broader index touched a low of 5443.85 and high of 5474.45 in trade so far.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 18199.40, down 2.80 points or 0.02 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18191.62 and high of 18278.62 intraday.

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.02 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 0.28 per cent higher.

Amongst sectoral indices, BSE Oil&gas Index was up 0.42 per cent, BSE IT Index edged 0.30 per cent higher and BSE Bankex gained 0.15 per cent. BSE Realty Index was down 1.74 per cent and BSE Capital Goods Index declined 0.69 per cent.

BPCL (1.52%), Tata Power (1.09%), Sesa Goa (0.93%), IDFC (0.86%) and Tata Motors (0.81%) were amongst the major Nifty gainers.

Jaiprakash Associates (-3.37%), Reliance Communications (-1.95%), M&M (-1.93%), Reliance Capital (-1.82%) and Hindalco (-1.80%) were the only losers.

Market breadth was positive on the NSE with 1048 gainers against 702 losers. 

Sensex rangebound; RCom, RInfra, ICICI, SBI gain

At 1:15 pm; Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 18245.62, up 43.42 points or 0.24 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18050.48 and high of 18307.44 intraday.

National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was flat at 5471.45, up 15.45 points or 0.28 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5408.35 and high of 5491.95 in trade so far.

“On the daily chart, we are witnessing that prices have tested the upper trendline of the channel. Any breakout of the channel could lead the indices to test 18400 – 18542 / 5512 – 5566 levels. On the downside, 17871 – 17761 / 5357 – 5322 may act as support for the day,” said Angel Broking note.

BSE Midcap Index was down 0.06 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 0.41 per cent higher.

Amongst sectoral indices, BSE Bankex was up 1.58 per cent, BSE Oil&gas Index edged 0.71 per cent higher. BSE Capital Goods Index fell 1.21 per cent and BSE Realty Index was down 0.76 per cent.

Reliance Communications (5.75%), Reliance Infrastructure (3.09%), ICICI Bank ( 2.31%), Tata Motors (1.83%) and SBI (1.79%) were amongst the major Sensex gainers.

Jaiprakash Associates (-2.46%), M&M (-2.44%), BHEL (-2.16%), TCS (-1.94%) and Hindalco (-1.55%) were the only losers.

Market breadth was positive on the BSE with 1379 gainers against 1298 losers. 

Nifty hits 5500; RCap, RCom, RPower, RIL, Kotak up

 At 3 pm; National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 5490.95, up 34.95 points or 0.64 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5408.35 and high of 5506.50 in trade so far.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 18307.14, up 104.94 points or 0.58 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18050.48 and high of 18361.66 intraday.

BSE Midcap Index was up 0.03 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 0.78 per cent higher.

Amongst sectoral indices, BSE Oil&gas Index was up 1.92 per cent, BSE Bankex gained 1.68 per cent higher and BSE Auto Index moved 0.87 per cent higher. BSE Capital Goods Index was down 1.34 per cent and BSE Realty Index declined 0.77 per cent.

Reliance Capital (9.66%), Reliance Communications (5.14%), Reliance Power (3.70%), Kotak Bank (3.16%) and Reliance Industries (2.96%) were amongst the major Nifty gainers.

Jaiprakash Associates (-3.37%), Hindalco (-3.06%), BHEL (-2.24%), DLF (-1.95%) and L&T (-1.55%) were the only losers.

Market breadth was positive on the NSE with 1602 gainers against 1213 losers. 

Sensex ends in green; RCom, RIL, Tata Motors gain

Benchmarks ended in the green for third consecutive day as investors accumulated index heavy-weights at lower levels. Losses in capital goods, realty and IT space were offset by gains in oil&gas, banks and auto sotcks.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex ended at 18271.21, up 69.01 points or 0.38 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18050.48 and high of 18361.66 intraday.

National Stock Exchange’s Nifty closed at 5478.55, up 22.55 points or 0.41 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5408.35 and high of 5506.50 in trade so far.

BSE Midcap Index was down 0.19 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index moved 0.60 per cent higher.

Amongst sectoral indices, BSE Oil&gas Index was up 1.81 per cent, BSE Bankex gained 1.47 per cent higher and BSE Auto Index moved 0.80 per cent higher. BSE Capital Goods Index was down 1.83 per cent and BSE Realty Index declined 1.65 per cent.

Reliance Communications (3.59%), Tata Motors (3.01%), Reliance (2.98%), Tata Power (2.31%) and Bajaj Auto (2.26%) were amongst the major Sensex gainers.

DLF (-3.24%), Jaiprakash Associates (-3.09%), Hindalco (-2.89%), BHEL (-2.45%) and L&T (-2.38%) were the top index losers.

Market breadth was positive on the BSE with 1389 gainers against 1291 losers. 

15 Feb, 2011, 04.47PM IST,PTI

Sensex extends gain for third session; ends 72 points up

In volatile trading, the BSE benchmark Sensex today surged for the third session in a row, rising almost 72 points to close at 18,273.80 on capital inflow by foreign funds as blue-chips, led by RIL, were available at attractive values.

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex, which gained nearly 740 points in the previous two sessions, gathered another 71.60 points to 18,273.80 supported by a strong comeback by most-weighed Reliance Industries stocks.

The gauge moved between 18,361.66 and 18,050.48 during the session, showing volatile movements in stocks.

In a similar fashion, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty shot up 25.00 points to 5,481.00 after crossing the psychological mark of 5,500 points to touch the session's high of 5,506.50 and a low of 5,408.35.

Brokers said that apart from sustained buying by foreign funds and retail investors, hectic short-covering in the recently beaten oil and gas, banking and auto sector stocks was also responsible for the ongoing rally on the market.

RIL, which had been trading in the negative zone for the past several sessions, bounced back on emergence of buying at prevailing levels and ended 2.90 per cent to Rs 941.75.

Tata Power, the largest power producer in the private sector, gained 2.14 per cent to Rs 1,267.90 on a flurry of buying, triggered by a three-fold increase in net profit for the third quarter ended December 31, 2010, while State Bank of India , country's biggest lender, surged 1.38 per cent to Rs 2,728.40.

Tata Motor shares ended 2.41 per cent higher at Rs 1,237.85 after its global sales increased 16 per cent in January.

The oil and gas sector gained the most, up 1.85 per cent at 9,497.05, followed by banking index that was up by 1.53 per cent to 12,429.32. The PSU index gained 1.10 per cent to 8,637.79, auto index by 0.71 per cent to 8,875.58 and power index by 0.14 per cent to 2,639.59 points.

However, capital goods sector index which had been rising in the past two sessions, fell by 1.75 per cent to 13,068.59 as BHEL and Larsen and Toubro succumbed to profit-booking. The realty sector index also shed 1.33 per cent to 2,112.90 and the IT sector Index closed lower by 0.40 per cent to 6,245.08. 

Nifty ends higher; RCap, RCom, RIL, Kotak, PNB up

Benchmarks ended in the positive terrain for third consecutive day as investors bought frontline stocks at relatively lower levels. Losses in capital goods, realty and IT space were offset by gains in oil&gas, banks and auto sotcks. According to analysts, the market is likely to remain volatile in the run-up to budget session.

Markets opened higher tracking cues from Asian peers and turned choppy due to lack of buying activity. However, by afternoon some smart hands bought stocks of ADAG group companies and index heavy weight Reliance Industries. This helped the benchmarks to breach psychological resistance levels intraday. Oil&gas, banks and auto space ended higher while capital goods and realty stocks lagged behind.

National Stock Exchange’s Nifty closed at 5481, up 25 points or 0.46 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 5408.35 and high of 5506.50 in today’s trade.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex ended at 18273.80, up 71.60 points or 0.39 per cent. The broader index touched a low of 18050.48 and high of 18361.66 intraday.

“We are in a pull-back rally and it can take the Nifty upto 5750-5800 levels. However, the rally is not likely to last long long and the recent support levels may be challenged. From short term perspective we see potential of 10-15 per cent upmove in small banking counters like Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank ,” said Dwaipayan Poddar, technical analyst, LKP Shares .

BSE Midcap Index was down 0.07 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index ended 0.59 per cent higher.

Amongst sectoral indices, BSE Oil&gas Index was up 1.85 per cent, BSE Bankex gained 1.53 per cent higher and BSE Auto Index moved 0.71 per cent higher. BSE Capital Goods Index was down 1.75 per cent and BSE Realty Index declined 1.33 per cent.

Reliance Capital (8.22%), Reliance Communications (3.85%), Punjab National Bank (3.46%), Kotak Bank (3.23%) and Reliance Industries (2.94%) were amongst the major Nifty gainers.

Jaiprakash Associates (-3.31%), DLF (-3.20%), Hindalco (-3.03%), BHEL (-2.78%) and L&T (-2.36%) were the top index losers.

Market breadth was positive on the NSE with 1587 gainers against 1298 losers. 

Source ET