Markets remain subdued

The markets have been rather quiet this morning, in contrast to the fireworks seen since the Budget session. The Sensex is quoting at 16940, down 59 points and the Nifty is at 5065, down 23 points. The mid-cap and small-cap indices have added about a per cent each.

ACC has weakened by 1.3% at Rs 947 to be the top loser among the Sensex stocks. Infosys has lost 1.2% at Rs 2628 and Tata Power has given up 1.1% at Rs 1318.

Auto stocks are seeing profit-booking after the stellar returns post the budget. Tata Motors has shed 0.8% at Rs 801, M&M has weakened by 0.6% at Rs 1069 and Maruti has lost 0.5% at Rs 1469.

DLF has extended its gains and is now up 2% at Rs 304. Sterlite has added 1% at Rs 819 and Reliance Communication has strengthened by 0.7% at Rs 161. Index heavyweight, Reliance, has inched up 0.3% at Rs 1025.

And in the broader realty space, which is the top sectoral gainer on the BSE, DLF has strengthened by 2.4% at Rs 305, HDIL has added 1.8% at Rs 314 and Omaxe is up 2.6% at Rs 96.

The market breadth is positive. Out of 2259 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 1320 advancing stocks as against 851 declines.