Markets remain weak

The Sensex is quoting at 16757, lower by 102 points, and the Nifty is at 4996, down 39 points.

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(Updated at 1151am)

The markets have remained weak, albeit range-bound, in the past one hour.  IT, Consumer durables and banking sectors are weighing down on the indices. The Sensex, which has been trading in a range of 160 points, is now quoting weaker by 84 points at 16774, and the Nifty is lower by 29 points at 5006.

The top losers on the Sensex are Jaiprakash Associates (weaker by Rs 4 or 2.7% at Rs 143), HDFC Bank (down Rs 35 or 2.1% at Rs 1643) and Infosys (lower by Rs 45 or 1.7% at Rs 2527).

The leading Sensex gainers are Hindalco (stronger by Rs 2.9 or 1.8% at Rs 164), Bharti Airtel (higher by Rs 5 or 1.5% at Rs 326) and Hindustan Unilever (up Rs 2 or 1% at Rs 260).

The market breadth is marginally weak. Out of 2686 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 1148 advancing stocks as against 1475 declines.