Sensex up 50pts; breadth firm

The Sensex is now up 50 points at 15,369.

Dr.Reddy's has soared 3.5% to Rs 663. NTPC has surged 3% to Rs 179, and Cipla has gained 2.6% at Rs 172.

ICICI Bank has rallied nearly 2% to Rs 901. Maruti has moved up 1.7% to Rs 883.

Ranbaxy has advanced 1.5% at Rs 397. Hindalco, ITC and HDFC Bank are up over 1% each at Rs 160, Rs 173 and Rs 1,185, respectively.

ONGC has shed 1.5% to Rs 844. Bharti Airtel and Bajaj Auto are down over 1% each at Rs 869 and Rs 2,319, respectively.

Out of 2,673 stocks traded so far, 1,858 have advanced, 772 have declined and 43 are unchanged.