Sensex moves up in afternoon trade

MUMBAI - After remaining range-bound for most part of the morning session, a benchmark index of Indian equities Thursday moved up in afternoon trade. Broader markets were, however, dull on the futures expiry day.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,116.49 points, was ruling at 20,096.78 points, up 91.41 points or 0.46 percent from its previous close at 20,005.37 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was trading at 6,043.75 points, up 0.52 percent.

Broader markets were lacklustre. The BSE midcap index was ruling flat, while the BSE smallcap index moved up 0.25 percent.

Telecom, IT and auto stocks led the gainers pack, while realty, metal and power scrips were in the red.

Top Sensex gainers at this time were Bharti Airtel, Hero Honda, HDFC Bank and ONGC. Among the losers were DLF, Sterlite Industries, Jaiprakash Associates and Hindalco Industries.

The market breadth was tilted towards the positive, with 1,481 stocks advancing, 1,395 declining and 93 remaining unchanged.

Other Asian markets too were trading dull with speculation still rife over how much stimulus the US Federal Reserve would pump in to revive a faltering recovery in the world’s largest economy.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was flat at 23,184.67 points, while the Japanese Nikkei closed 0.22 percent down at 9,366.03 points.

The Shanghai Composite index was ruling at 2,992.58 points, down 0.15 percent.

European bourses moved up in early trade.