Sensex ends up 59pts

The Sensex ended (provisional) at 17,969 - up 59 points. Nifty ended at 5,398 - up 19 points.
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(Updated at 1435 hrs)

IT index has helped the markets to stay afloat. The Sensex is now up 27 points at 17,936.

Nifty is up 10 points at 5,388.

BSE IT index has gained 1.6% at 5,499. However, the oil & gas index is now down 0.4% at 10,520. Metal, power and auto indices are also in red.

TCS has surged further on its results which were announced yesterday after market closing. The stock is now up 7% at rs 838.

Tata Motors has gained 2.5% at Rs 831. ICICI Bank has added 2% to Rs 900.

Jaiprakash Associates, ONGC, Reliance Communications and Cipla have advanced 1% each.

Meanwhile, Mahindra & Mahindra has dropped 1.2% to Rs 609.

HDFC Bank and HDFC have slipped over 1% each to Rs 2,039 and Rs 3,014, respectively.

BSE market breadth continues to be positive. Out of 2,988 stocks traded, 1,720 have advanced while 1,160 have declined.