Sensex ends up 35pts

The Sensex has ended (provisional) at 16,393 - up 35 points. The Nifty ended (provisional) at 4,916 - up 34 points.
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(Updated at 1503 hrs)

The markets have been trading sideways in afternoon trades, with the Sensex quoting at 16,373, higher by 15 points, and the Nifty at 4,906, up 17 points. But there is strength in the broader markets; the mid-cap and small-cap sectors have gained around 2% each. Consumer durables, metal and auto stocks are trading firm, while IT and FMCG stocks are sluggish.

Tata Motors has appreciated by 3.1% at Rs 716, M&M has added 2.8% to Rs 1,048 and Jaiprakash Associates has strengthened by 2.7% at Rs 141. Reliance Communication and Sun Pharma are the other prominent gainers.

On the loser's side, Hindustan Unilever is down 2.7% at Rs 237, Infosys has dropped 1.5% to Rs 2,437 and SBI has declined 1.5% at Rs 2026.

The market breadth remains positive. Out of 2,853 stocks traded on the BSE, there are 2,164 advancing stocks as against 629 declines.