Sensex advances by 77 points

MUMBAI, Mar 12: The benchmark index of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) advanced today by 77 points to 21,904.37 in the opening trade following gains in Bankex, Realty, Metal, Technology and FMCG stocks.
The Nifty of National Stock Exchange (NSE) rose by 12.60 points to 6,524.50.
The sensex recorded intra day high and low at 21,965.95 and 21,768.14 points respectively.
The Nifty registered intra day high and low at 6,546.15 and 6,487.30 points respectively.
Buying in Bankex, Realty, Metal, Technology, IT and FMCG stocks rallied in the openng trade while selling in Capital Goods, Power and Auto stocks which capped from further gain, brokers said.
The gainers were Sun Pharma by 3.39 pc to Rs 600, ITC by 2.10 pc to Rs 340.75, Hero MotoCorp by 1.97 pc to Rs 2057.85, Wipro by 1.48 pc to Rs 568.20 and ICICI Bank by 1.21 pc to Rs 1212.90.    The losers were BHEL by 1.99 pc to Rs 185.10, L & T by 1.45 pc to Rs 1211.90, Maruti Suzuki by 1.42 pc to Rs 173 and Hindalco Industries by 1.15 pc to Rs 116.05. (AGENCIES)