Sensex down 21 pts; banking, IT scrips slide

The opening bell saw the Sensex display a volatile trend. After resuming 19 points higher over its last close at 7,524, the Sensex immediately lost ground and dropped below the 7,500-mark to touch a low of 7,477.

While the Sensex is now down 21 points at 7,484, the Nifty is flat at 2,292.

ICICI Bank has dropped 1.98% (Rs 10) to Rs 480, while SBI is down a per cent (Rs 4) at Rs 739. HDFC Bank, however, is up 1.10% (Rs 7) at Rs 682.

Wipro and Satyam are down a per cent each at Rs 708 (down Rs 5) and Rs 519 (down Rs 3), respectively.

Hero Honda has shed 2.50% (Rs 15) to Rs 590. Other auto majors, too, have largely opened on a weak note.

BHEL has declined 1.26% (Rs 13) to Rs 983.