Markets remain sluggish

The markets continue to trade in negative zone.

The Sensex has shed 43 points at 19,897 and Nifty is lower by 19 points and is at 5971. Mild profit booking is seen in IT, Auto, Tech and Metal stocks.

The broader markets continue to outperform. The Small-cap index is up 37 points at 10,191 and Mid-cap index is up 3 points at 8051.

Among the Mid-cap stocks Dalmia Cement is the top gainer the stock has gained 4.2% and is trading at Rs 250. Tube Investments of India, BF Utilities and Jet Airways are up more than 3% each.

Hercules Hoists continue to lead the Small-cap charts the stock has gained 8.2% at Rs 345 followed by Indo Rama Synthetics, K Sera Sera Productions and Meghmani Organics.

Among the key sectoral indices Realty index continues to be in the negative zone the index is down more than 0.6% at 3645, FMCG, Bankex, Oil & Gas, Tech and IT are the other laggards.

Among the Sensex stocks Jindal Steel is the top loser followed by Maruti Suzuki, Hero Honda and the index heavyweight Reliance Industries.

Meanwhile, ONGC, Mahindra & Mahindra, Sterlite Industries and NTPC are the significant gainers among the Sensex stocks.

The market breadth is positive out of 2723 stocks traded on the BSE 1375 stocks are advancing and 1257 stocks are declining