BSE Sensex Slightly Up; Infosys, TCS gain

January 25, 2012 6:27 AM GMT

The BSE Sensex nudged higher on Wednesday, a day after the RBI indicated it would support growth, raising expectations for more foreign fund investments.

Software services exporters Infosys (INFY.NS) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS.NS) climbed 1 and 1.5 percent respectively, while Tata Motors (TAMO.NS) gained 2.2 percent.

By 10:44 a.m. (0514 GMT), the main 30-share BSE index was up 0.3 percent, at 17,050 with 18 of its components gaining.

Trading was volatile because of the expiry of monthly derivatives contracts later in the day.

"For the time being the market should consolidate before it starts upward journey again," said K.K. Mital, head of portfolio management services at Globe Capital.

Follow us

The benchmark index has gained 10 percent since the start of the New Year, with foreign funds buying shares worth more than $1 billion, and traders said there would be profit-taking.

The index fell a quarter in 2011 as foreign funds pulled out about $500 million after a series of rate increase by the RBI hit growth.

On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of India slashed cash reserve requirement for banks by 50 basis points to help ease tight liquidity, but kept rates unchanged due to high core inflation.

Top home finance company Housing Development Finance Corp (HDFC.NS) gained 1.3 percent.

The 50-share NSE index was up 0.24 percent at 5,140.15. In the broader market, there were two gainers for every loser, with 234.6 million shares changing hands.

Non-ferrous metals maker Sterlite Industries (STRL.NS) firmed 2.4 percent, buoyed by gains in copper prices in London.

Biocon (BION.NS), the country's leading listed biotechnology company, fell as much as 4.4 percent after its quarterly net profit dropped a worse-than-expected 15.8 percent.

Cairn India (CAIL.NS) rose as much as 4.23 percent after the oil explorer reported a 12.5 percent rise in its December quarter earnings after market hours on Tuesday.

The MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.7 percent.

Copyright 2012 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
Sponsor Link:

News From Economy

Join the Conversation
Most popular
IBTimes TV

73 yr Old Becomes Oldest Woman to Climb Mount Everest

Global Markets
Existing Home Sales Jump, World Banks Lowers China Forecast, Euro Prepares for Greek Exit

E-Newsletters

We value your privacy. Your email address will not be shared.