Sensex holds on to gains broader indices flat

[1]

A benchmark index for Indian equities markets on Tuesday continued to hold on to to early gains but broader indices were flat with realty stocks on the decline. Asian cues, too, were weak.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) which opened at 18,016.43 points, was ruling at 18,088.76 points, up 95.43 points or 0.53 per cent from its previous close at 17,993.33 points. The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also trading in the green at 5,414.5 points, up 0.52 per cent.

Broader markets were flat nudged up with the BSE midcap index ruling 0.17 per cent up and the BSE smallcap index 0.03 per cent down. Realty, FMCG and metal stocks were among major losers at this time, while banking and capital goods scrips rose. The market breadth was negative with 1,204 stocks advancing, 1,301 on the decline and 114 unchanged. Among gainers on the Sensex were ICICI Bank, L&T, HDFC and Cipla, while major losers included DLF, Hindalco, NTPC and Hindustan Unilever.

Asian markets were quiet on Tuesday. The Nikkei of the Japanese stock exchange closed 0.17 per cent up at 9,477.17 points, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was ruling 0.06 percent up at 22,724.89 points. The Shanghai Composite index of the Chinese markets was trading weak at 2,769.88 points, 0.17 per cent down.