Markets firm; Sensex up 186pts

The Sensex is now up 186 points at 11,499. The Nifty has gained 59 points at 3372.

HDFC Bank has rallied 4.5% to Rs 842. Hero Honda has gained 4% at Rs 709.

BHEL and Ranbaxy have surged over 3% each to Rs 2,252 and Rs 405, respectively.

Larsen & Toubro, Tata Motors and Dr.Reddy's are up nearly 3% each to Rs 2,372, Rs 824 and Rs 1,478, respectively.

Bajaj Auto has slipped into red.

Out of 2,496 stocks traded so far, 1,897 have advanced, 545 have declined and the rest are unchanged.