The Sensex closed 27 points higher at 5,397. The Nifty was up six points at 1,675.
Pharma stocks were the major gainers today. Dr.Reddy's has rallied 4.6% (Rs 33) to Rs 757. Ranbaxy surged 4.4% (Rs 45) to Rs 1,070. Cipla was up 1.5% (Rs 4) at Rs 265.
Satyam gained 2.5% (Rs 9) at Rs 378. Infosys advanced 1.4% (Rs 23) to close at Rs 1,675. However, Wipro erased all its gains and ended in negative zone with a loss of Rs 2 at Rs 589.
Reliance was up Rs 3 at Rs 491, and HLL gained a rupee at Rs 122. ITC was marginally down at Rs 1,101.
Maruti tumbled 3.5% (Rs 14) to Rs 379. While Tata Motors and Bajaj Auto were marginally weak at Rs 394 and Rs 918, respectively. Hero Honda advacned 1.3% (Rs 6) to Rs 446.
HDFC marched 2% (Rs 12) to Rs 623. The stock is up over 11% (Rs 63) in the last six trading sessions. According to an release to the NSE, US based Capital Research and Management Company has acquired additional stake of 4.705% in the period May 2004 to Sept 08, 2004.
HPCL spurted over 3% (Rs 10) in the last hour of trading to close at Rs 322.
Zee slumped 4% (Rs 6) at Rs 144..