Sharp gains

INVESTING INSIGHT

The stocks of companies engaged in the steel business have made sharp gains between December 1, 2004, and March 8, 2005, on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). SAIL firmed up from Rs 56.10 to Rs 66.40 and Tata Steel from Rs 327.80 to Rs 436.80.

The share price of Essar Steel rose from Rs 36.20 on December 1, to today's close of Rs 51.75, up 42.95 per cent on the BSE.

During the same period, the stock price of Jindal Vijaynagar Steel increased from Rs 13.37 to Rs 17.89, up by 33.80 per cent and Panchmahal Steel from Rs 24.35 to Rs 39.50. Raipur Alloys gained from Rs 69.50 to Rs 83.25, up 19.78 per cent, and Shah Alloys from Rs 116.05 to Rs 204.00.

Mukand inched up from Rs 40.35 to Rs 77.70 and Sunflag Iron & Steel from Rs 13.72 to Rs 17.64 and Bellary Steels from Rs 4.05 to Rs 8.08.

Ahmedabad Steelcraft moved from Rs 10.48 to Rs 12.60 and Steel Strips Wheels from Rs 101.90 to Rs 135.85.

Southern Iron & Steel strengthened from Rs 22.80 to Rs 40.75 and SAL Steel from Rs 17.95 to Rs 20.30.