Sensex up 54 pts, heavyweights firm

Continuing with its north-ward movement, the Sensex appreciated further and scaled up to a new high of 7,728 amid hectic buying action in major heavyweights and select tech stocks.

The Sensex is now 54 points at 7,723, while the Nifty has added 19 points to 2,337.

The breadth of the market, too, is ruling firm, with 1,681 advances against 565 declines on the BSE so far.

Reliance has gained 1.40% (Rs 10) to Rs 718, and Reliance Energy is up a per cent (Rs 6) at Rs 636. HLL, however, has shed 1.75% (Rs 3) to Rs 171.

SBI has advanced 1.67% (Rs 13) to Rs 802, while HDFC Bank is up a per cent (Rs 5) at Rs 680. ICICI Bank, however, has slipped by a per cent (Rs 3) to Rs 530.

Tisco has surged 3% (Rs 11) to Rs 375. While BHEL has scaled up 2.29% (Rs 23) to Rs 1,015, Tata Power is up 1.52% (Rs 6) at Rs 409.

TCS has notched up 2.11% gains (Rs 26) to Rs 1,279, and Satyam has logged 1.82% gains (Rs 9) to Rs 524. Infosys (up Rs 11 to Rs 2,273) and Wipro are up with steady gains at Rs 2,273 and Rs 726, respectively.

Dr. Reddy's and Cipla are trading firm at Rs 840 (up Rs 11) and Rs 340 (up Rs 6), respectively.

Tata Motors has shot up 4.22% (Rs 21) to Rs 522. Other auto majors, too, are exhibiting firm trend.