Sensex northbound

Indian indices were trading higher amid volatility on F&O expiry day. Buying interest was seen in metal, oil & gas, bank and auto stocks. Heavyweights like Reliance, ICICI Bank, L&T, HDFC Bank and TCS were positive contributors to the Sensex.

Top gainers on the Sensex were Tata Steel at Rs 577.65 up 2.88%, Sterlite Ind at Rs 166.50 up 2.68%, Reliance at Rs 926.30 up 2.15%, Tata Motors at Rs 1,157.05 up 2.08% and Hindalco at Rs 188 up 1.98%.

Top losers on the Sensex were M&M at Rs 673 down 1.15%, ITC at Rs 187.65 down 0.71%, Infosys at Rs 2,777 down 0.64%, BHEL at Rs 1,909.40 down 0.6% and Cipla at Rs 310.10 down 0.43%.

Market trade in a narrow range

Market trade in a narrow range for quite some time. Phenomenal fourth quarter results of Tata Steel, Coal India and Cairn India have helped improving market sentiment, giving a new boost to the trade.

Tata Steel & Cairn India shine after the phenomenal results

A quiet start for the Indian markets ahead of its expiry today. 5300 remains key support level for the Nifty. Earnings have been a mixed pack for fourth quarter. Tata Steel, Cairn India and Coal India posted phenomenal results improving the sentiment of markets.

At 09.17, the Sensex was up 82.07 points or 0.46% at 17929.31, and the Nifty was up 15.45 points or 0.29% at 5364.40.

Cairn India Q4 Result

Cairn India has announced its fourth quarter results. The company's Q4 consolidated net profit was up at Rs 2,458 crore versus Rs 245 crore, year-on-year, YoY.

Nifty trading below 5400 and Sensex below 18K

Nifty was trading below 5400 mark in a narrow band of 20-30 points. It was yet another lacklustre session for the markets prior to expiry tomorrow. The market was trading in line with Asian peers that were pressured by nagging fears about Europe's spreading debt crisis. Selling pressure was seen in realty, IT, telecom and capital goods stocks. The broader markets too were trading in red.

At 10.43, the Sensex was down 85.23 points or 0.47% at 17926.74, and the Nifty was down 23.45 points or 0.43% at 5371.40. About 1049 shares advanced, 1148 shares declined, and 1445 shares remain unchanged.