Markets stable; rate-sensitives mixed

The benchmark indices have been hovering above the dotted line in what is turning out into a stable session of trade. The Sensex is quoting at 18058, lower by 19 points and the Nifty is at 5425, down five points. The midcap index is at 7416, higher by 34 points and the smallcap index is at 9423, up 63 points.

The interest rate sensitives are trading mixed on the day after the monetary policy event. Autos are calling the shots for the second consecutive day, while the realty and banking sectors have edged lower.

In the auto space, M&M has strengthened by 1.8% at Rs 651 and has emerged as the top gainer on the BSE. Maruti has gained 1% at Rs 1221 and Tata Motors has added 1% at Rs 853.

In the realty space, HDIL has weakened by 0.9% at Rs 259, Indiabulls Real Estate has shed 0.6% at Rs 161, DLF has edged lower by 0.1% at Rs 319 and Unitech has slipped 0.1% at Rs 84.

And in the banking space, Axis Bank has fallen 1.7% at Rs 1358 and ICICI Bank has given up 1% at Rs 914. However, HDFC Bank has gained 0.7% at Rs 2080 and HDFC has added 0.3% at Rs 2951.

The market breadth is positive; Out of 2610 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 1538 advancing stocks as againt 961 declines.