Prices See Improvement

The trading sentiment on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) improved further yesterday mainly account of FII buying coupled with some speculative activity.

The NSE-50 index closed 16.10 points higher at 1120.70 against the previous close of 1104.60 points. The Midcap index closed at 1171.95 points against the previous close of 1159.95 points. The index moved in a narrow range and touched a high of 1122.20 and a low of 1105.75 before closing at 1120.70.

The total traded turnover touched Rs 1,694.13 crore with 6.13 crore shares changing hands.

The ITC scrip witnessed hectic activity and it closed at Rs 514.50 points against the previous close of Rs 496.15. The total traded turnover in this counter touched Rs 517.21 crore. According to sources, the market looks very firm and except for a minor corrections, the index should look up when it opens today.

 

Today being the last day of current settlement on the BSE, some squaring up activity may take place, which will result in a minor slump, informed an NSE dealer.

The total traded turnover in the RIL counter touched Rs 471.68 crore and the scrip closed at Rs 324 against the previous close of Rs 317.30.

Among the top five gainers were, Essar Steel, which closed as Rs 14.65 (Rs 13.65), MRPL at Rs 18.95 (Rs 17.70), Ponds India at Rs 1576.25 (Rs 1473.10), Reliance Petroleum at Rs 16.65 (Rs 15.60) and Tata Tea at Rs 338.90 (Rs 320.85).

Among the top five losers were Bhel which closed at Rs 398.55 against the previous close of Rs 409.10, Cochin Refineries at Rs 168.55 (Rs 171.70), EIH at Rs 406.95 (Rs 410.90), Indian Hotels at Rs 656 (Rs 661.50) and SBI-N at Rs 319.50 (Rs 320.90).

Meanwhile, prices declined further on the OTCEI on continuous selling pressure. The composite index closed at 78.78 points, a decrease of 0.88 points. The total turnover was Rs 13.12 lakh involving 33,692 shares and debentures.

Listed equities contributed Rs 8.76 lakh. Among the other segments listed debentures contributed Rs 4.35 lakh. Active trading was witnessed in Aurangabad Asbetos counter.