Markets range bound

The markets continue to trade in a range with the Sensex down 28 points at 20,088 and tye Nifty shedding eight points at 6,027. In the broader markets, the smallcap index is up 0.4% and the midcap index has inched ahead at 0.1%. The benchmark index down 0.2% is underperforming for the second consecutive day.

Among the sectotal indices on the BSE, Auto up 0.6% leads the pack followed by Realty, Health Care and IT. On the other hand, FMCG, Metal has extended their losses and continue to be at the bottom of the chart. Consumer Durables, Oil & Gas and PSU too are in the negative. The movers in the Auto space are Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors up 2%, Ashok Leyland and Hero Honda gaining 1% each.

Apart from the Auto stocks,the gainers on the Sensex-30 stocks are Tata Steel up 1%, SBI, DLF,BHEL and Jaiprakash Associates adding 0.6% each.

The losers on the Sensex are Sterlite down 7%, ITC shedding 2%, ONGC, Reliance Infrastructure, HDFC and Bharti Airtel losing1% each.

The market breadth is negative. Of the total 3009 stocks traded, 1464 stocks have declined and 1430 have advanced.