Markets firm in noon trades

The benchmark indices have steadfastly held on to their gains this afternoon. The strength across Asia and higher US index futures have bolstered our indices. The Sensex is quoting at 16767, higher by 109 points, and the Nifty has reclaimed the 5k mark and is now at 5032, up 31 points. The midcap index is quoting at 6817, higher by 0.3% and the smallcap index is at 8557, up 0.7%.

Reliance Infra has appreciated by 3% at Rs 1101 to emerge as the leading gainer on the BSE-50 list, displacing Bharti Airtel in the process. Bharti Airtel is placed at Rs 279, up 2.7% and Hero Honda is at Rs 1978, up 1.9%. SBI, BHEL and Maruti have added between 1% and 2% each.

Pantaloon Retail has zoomed by 5.5% and is the top gainer in the BSE-A group, closely followed by Sun TV, which has appreciated by 5% at Rs 413 and Marico, which has gained 4.5% at Rs 117.

On the losers side, ICICI has weakened by 0.8% at Rs 819, ACC has shed 0.5% at Rs 852 and ONGC has lost 0.5% at Rs 1185.

The market breadth is positive. Out of 2761 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 1588 advancing stocks as against 1063 declines.