Markets trade in a narrow range

After the Sensex opening in the red and touching a low of 19,542, the BSE benchmark index tried to break into the positive range but fizzled out after reaching at 19,620. Thus far, the Sensex continues to trade with a narrow range of 78 points.

On the other hand, the broader markets have advanced steadily since the opening today. The smallcap index gained 0.8% and the midcap added 0.7% outperforming the Sensex, which is down 0.3%. Owing to this, the market breadth is strong. Of the total 2397 stocks traded on the BSE, 1511 stocks have advanced while 805 declined.

There are no major changes in the sectoral performance. Realty further gained strength and is up 1.4% continuing to be the top gainer after several months of underperformance. Capital Goods, Power and PSU adding between 0.1% - 0.4% followed.

The scrips leading the smallcap gains are Nucleus Soft up 13%,Infinite, BS Transcomm and Lumax Industries added 10-11%

Blue Dart up 15%, Den Network, Unichem Laboratories and UTV Software gaining 6-7% are the movers in the midcap space.

Hindalco, Tata Power and HDFC up 1% each are the top Sensex gainers while Bharti Airtel, TCS, HDFC Bank, NTPC, Sterlite and Tata Motors shedding 1% each are the top losers.