Firm trade continues as realty, autos gain

Markets continued firm trade this after noon as realty shares surged. The Sensex gained 196 points to 19,139 - after touching a high of 19,139. Nifty was up 64 points at 5,752.

BSE realty index was up 1.5% at 2,259. IT, auto and power indices also in green. Meanwhile, the broader markets underperformed the benchmark. BSE mid and small-cap indices gained 0.3% each to 6,770 and 8,028, respectively.

Crude oil prices declined after Libyan rebels advanced against Gaddafi's troops. Brent crude was trading at $114.62 per barrel. Oil marketing companies surged on the easing in crude prices. HPCL gained 2% at Rs 345, BPCL jumped 2% to Rs 604 and IOC adbanced 1.3% to Rs 319.

Two wheeler stocks were up in trades. Hero Honda rallied4% to Rs 1,561. Bajaj Auto jumped 1% to Rs 1,410. Other auto stocks also gained ahead of the March sales numbers. Maruti SUzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra were up 1% each.

Telecom stocks rose on hopes that the government may step in to help secure loans. Bharti Airtel gained 3% at Rs 358. Reliance Communications surged 4% to Rs 110. Idea Cellular added 2% to Rs 67. However, MTNL was flat at Rs 46.