Sensex inches higher; metal stock surge

REUTERS - The BSE Sensex is trading 0.3 percent higher on Thursday and the Nifty gains 0.4 percent. Metal stocks are the top Sensex gainers - Sesa jumps 5.8 percent, Hindalco rises 3.3 percent, Tata Steel gains 2.7 percent.

Consolidation may continue until the government unveils its budget in early-to-mid July, according to analysts.

BSE bankex falls 0.2 percent. HDFC Bank is trading 1.2 percent lower.