Directionless trade continues...

Markets continues to remain lacklustre this afternoon. However, buying has resumed in oil and consumer durables stocks.

The Sensex is up 27 points at 17,192. The Nifty is up 14 points at 5,143.

The Indian bourses slipped into the red as some Asian markets pared early gains. The indices moved between the positive and negative terrain and has so far been unable to take any direction.

The BSE FMCG index has dropped 1%. However the oil sector is up almost 2% at 9,991.

Reliance continues to trade strong and has gained 2.3% at Rs 1,052. Larsen & toubro has added 1.5% to Rs 1,577.

Tata Power, Sun Pharma and Tata Motors have advanced 1.2% each to Rs 1,370, Rs 1,646 and Rs 779, respectively.

ONGC and Hindalco have also moved up in green.

However, HDFC Bank remains weak at Rs 1,773.

ITC and Bharti Airtel have dropped 1.8% each at Rs 255 and Rs 294, respectively.

ACC, Jaiprakash Associates and Wipro and DLF have declined over 1% each.

The BSE market breadth continues to be positive. Out of 2,750 stocks traded, 1,547 have advanced while 1,112 have declined.