Key equity barometers firmed up once again in mid-afternoon trade. At 14:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 10.97 points or 0.03% at 35,909.32. The Nifty 50 index was up 3.30 points or 0.03% at 10,793.15.

The indices opened lower, but bounced back in morning trade. The recovery was short lived as indices slipped once again in mid-morning trade. Indices firmed up again in mid-afternoon trade.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.41%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.78%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1574 shares rose and 837 shares fell. A total of 149 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, European stocks were trading higher Friday, as market participants closely monitored signs of progress in trade talks between the world's two largest economies.

Asian shares were mixed, following a negative closing in the US stocks after the release of a stream of disappointing global economic data on Thursday. Investors continue to closely watch high-level talks between US and Chinese trade negotiators in Washington, with little more than a week left before a US-imposed deadline for an agreement expires, triggering higher tariffs.

US stocks finished lower Thursday as fresh economic data out of Europe and Japan suggest further slowing in global growth. Concerns about slowing global growth were underscored by the release of surveys from Europe and Japan that showed manufacturing contracting in February, with export-dependent German manufacturers reporting the worst drop in activity in more than six years.

In US, December's durable goods data showed a surprise slowdown in business spending. The Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey fell to minus 4.1, the first negative number since May 2016 and the biggest drop since August 2011. Markit PMI data also showed manufacturing activity at the slowest pace in 17 months.

Back home, Suzlon Energy surged 21.90% to Rs 5.40.

IT shares were mixed. Hexaware Technologies (up 1.36%), Wipro (up 0.73%), HCL Technologies (up 0.65%), TCS (up 0.61%), MindTree (up 0.50%) and Tech Mahindra (up 0.35%), edged higher. Infosys (down 0.02%), Oracle Financial Services Software (down 0.21%), MphasiS (down 1.45%) and Persistent Systems (down 3.4%), edged lower.

Most power generation stocks advanced. Jaiprakash Power Ventures (up 9.66%), Reliance Infrastructure (up 8.16%), Reliance Power (up 2.23%), GMR Infrastructure (up 1.55%), NTPC (up 1.39%), JSW Energy (up 0.76%), Adani Power (up 0.63%) and CESC (up 0.48%), edged higher. NHPC (down 0.42%), Tata Power (down 0.45%) and Torrent Power (down 0.68%), edged lower.

State-run Coal India was up 0.70%. State-run Power Grid Corporation of India was up 0.08%.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday released the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee's meeting held on February 5-7. Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the neutral stance of the central bank will provide flexibility and the room to address challenges to sustained growth of the Indian economy over the coming months, as long as the inflation outlook remains benign.

In his statement, Das said that global growth was losing traction amidst lingering trade tensions and uncertainty around Brexit. On the positive side, crude oil prices remain soft, though the benefit for net exports could be restricted due to slowing global demand. GDP growth for 2019-20 is projected at 7.4% - in the range of 7.2-7.4% in H1, and 7.5% in Q3 - with risks evenly balanced.

Das noted that the CPI inflation print of December at 2.2% continued to surprise on the downside. The RBI Governor also believed that the outlook for food inflation was expected to be benign in the backdrop of excess domestic supply conditions in many food items. CPI inflation is projected at below 4% in the remaining four quarters - 2.8% in Q4:2018-19, 3.2-3.4% in H1:2019-20 and 3.9% in Q3:2019-20 - with risks broadly balanced.

Key benchmark indices hovered in a small range in negative zone in afternoon trade. At 13:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 66.09 points or 0.18% at 35,832.26. The Nifty 50 index was down 15.10 points or 0.14% at 10,774.75

The indices opened lower, but bounced back in morning trade. The recovery was short lived as indices slipped once again in mid-morning trade. Investors' sentiment was fragile due to negative global cues.

Broader market was trading higher. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.22%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.65%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1,480 shares rose and 783 shares fell. A total of 137 shares were unchanged.

Yes Bank (up 2.81%), Vedanta (up 2.4%), M&M (up 1.93%), Maruti Suzuki India (up 1.6%) and ONGC (up 1.5%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

Kotak Mahindra Bank (down 3.38%), Reliance Industries (down 1.48%), HDFC Bank (down 0.86%), Bajaj Finance (down 0.48%) and ITC (down 0.47%) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

Tata Steel shed 0.06%. The company informed that the meeting of the board of directors of the company is scheduled on 26 February 2019, inter alia, to consider and approve the issuance of unsecured Non-Convertible Debentures on private placement basis. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 February 2019.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories rose 1.92% after the company said that the audit of its formulations Shrevepmi plant, Louisiana, USA, by the US FDA, has been completed with zero observations. The announcement was made during market hours today, 22 February 2019.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday released the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee's meeting held on February 5-7. Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the neutral stance of the central bank will provide flexibility and the room to address challenges to sustained growth of the Indian economy over the coming months, as long as the inflation outlook remains benign.

In his statement, Das said that global growth was losing traction amidst lingering trade tensions and uncertainty around Brexit. On the positive side, crude oil prices remain soft, though the benefit for net exports could be restricted due to slowing global demand. GDP growth for 2019-20 is projected at 7.4% - in the range of 7.2-7.4% in H1, and 7.5% in Q3 - with risks evenly balanced.

Das noted that the CPI inflation print of December at 2.2% continued to surprise on the downside. The RBI Governor also believed that the outlook for food inflation was expected to be benign in the backdrop of excess domestic supply conditions in many food items. CPI inflation is projected at below 4% in the remaining four quarters - 2.8% in Q4:2018-19, 3.2-3.4% in H1:2019-20 and 3.9% in Q3:2019-20 - with risks broadly balanced.

Overseas, Asian shares were mixed, following a negative closing in the US stocks after the release of a stream of disappointing global economic data on Thursday. Investors continue to closely watch high-level talks between US and Chinese trade negotiators in Washington, with little more than a week left before a US-imposed deadline for an agreement expires, triggering higher tariffs.

US stocks finished lower Thursday as fresh economic data out of Europe and Japan suggest further slowing in global growth. Concerns about slowing global growth were underscored by the release of surveys from Europe and Japan that showed manufacturing contracting in February, with export-dependent German manufacturers reporting the worst drop in activity in more than six years.

In US, December's durable goods data showed a surprise slowdown in business spending. The Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey fell to minus 4.1, the first negative number since May 2016 and the biggest drop since August 2011. Markit PMI data also showed manufacturing activity at the slowest pace in 17 months.

The market turned range bound in early afternoon trade. At 12:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 37.84 points or 0.11% at 35,860.51. The Nifty 50 index was down 1.45 points or 0.01% at 10,788.40.

The indices opened lower, but bounced back in morning trade. The recovery was short lived as indices slipped once again in mid-morning trade. Investors' sentiment was fragile due to negative global cues.

Broader market was trading higher. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.42%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.80%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1478 shares rose and 740 shares fell. A total of 116 shares were unchanged.

Telecom shares advanced. Reliance Communications (up 10.9%), Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) (up 8.92%), Bharti Airtel (up 1.35%) and Vodafone Idea (up 0.16%), edged higher. MTNL was down 2.95%.

Pharmaceutical shares were mixed. Piramal Enterprises (up 2.09%), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (up 1.59%), Dr Reddy's Laboratories (up 1.57%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (up 0.87%), Aurobindo Pharma (up 0.32%), Cadila Healthcare (up 0.29%), Strides Shasun (up 0.20%), Lupin (up 0.12%) and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (up 0.02%), edged higher. Alkem Laboratories (down 0.03%), Wockhardt (down 0.15%), Cipla (down 0.6%) and IPCA Laboratories (down 0.69%), edged lower.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday released the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee's meeting held on February 5-7. Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the neutral stance of the central bank will provide flexibility and the room to address challenges to sustained growth of the Indian economy over the coming months, as long as the inflation outlook remains benign.

In his statement, Das said that global growth was losing traction amidst lingering trade tensions and uncertainty around Brexit. On the positive side, crude oil prices remain soft, though the benefit for net exports could be restricted due to slowing global demand. GDP growth for 2019-20 is projected at 7.4% - in the range of 7.2-7.4% in H1, and 7.5% in Q3 - with risks evenly balanced.

Das noted that the CPI inflation print of December at 2.2% continued to surprise on the downside. The RBI Governor also believed that the outlook for food inflation was expected to be benign in the backdrop of excess domestic supply conditions in many food items. CPI inflation is projected at below 4% in the remaining four quarters - 2.8% in Q4:2018-19, 3.2-3.4% in H1:2019-20 and 3.9% in Q3:2019-20 - with risks broadly balanced.

Overseas, Asian shares were mixed, following a negative closing in the US stocks after the release of a stream of disappointing global economic data on Thursday. Investors continue to closely watch high-level talks between US and Chinese trade negotiators in Washington, with little more than a week left before a US-imposed deadline for an agreement expires, triggering higher tariffs.

US stocks finished lower Thursday as fresh economic data out of Europe and Japan suggest further slowing in global growth. Concerns about slowing global growth were underscored by the release of surveys from Europe and Japan that showed manufacturing contracting in February, with export-dependent German manufacturers reporting the worst drop in activity in more than six years.

In US, December's durable goods data showed a surprise slowdown in business spending. The Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey fell to minus 4.1, the first negative number since May 2016 and the biggest drop since August 2011. Markit PMI data also showed manufacturing activity at the slowest pace in 17 months.

The Sensex and the Nifty were trading with small losses in mid-morning trade. At 11:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 42.39 points or 0.12% at 35,855.96. The Nifty 50 index was down 8 points or 0.07% at 10,781.85.

The indices opened lower, but bounced back in morning trade. The recovery was short lived as indices slipped once again in mid-morning trade. Investors' sentiment was fragile due to negative global cues.

Broader market was trading higher. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.32%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.70%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1388 shares rose and 662 shares fell. A total of 118 shares were unchanged.

Most private sector banks rose. City Union Bank (up 0.31%), IndusInd Bank (up 0.51%), RBL Bank (up 0.64%), ICICI Bank (up 0.84%) and Yes Bank (up 1.77%), edged higher. Federal Bank (down 0.56%), HDFC Bank (down 0.39%) and Axis Bank (down 0.08%), edged lower.

Kotak Mahindra Bank was down 3.51% at Rs 1243.65, following a series of bulk deals on the stock exchanges. Media reported on Thursday that ING Group could sell around 1.20% stake in the private sector lender through block deals at an offer price of in the range of Rs 1,125-1,250 per share. ING Mauritius Investments held a 3.06% stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank as of 31 December 2018.

PSU banks were mixed. State Bank of India (up 0.82%), Punjab & Sind Bank (up 0.78%), United Bank of India (up 0.65%), Corporation Bank (up 0.49%), Dena Bank (up 0.36%), Syndicate Bank (up 0.3%), Bank of India (up 0.24%) and Punjab National Bank (up 0.07%), edged higher.

Bank of Baroda (down 0.24%), Canara Bank (down 0.27%), Vijaya Bank (down 0.36%), Bank of Maharashtra (down 0.39%), Union Bank of India (down 0.49%), Indian Bank (down 0.79%), Central Bank of India (down 1.73%), IDBI Bank (down 2%) and Allahabad Bank (down 2.05%), edged lower.

BEML rose 3.27% after the company signed a certificate of partnership with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company to explore global & domestic opportunities. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 February 2019.

BEML signed a Certificate of Partnership with US-based Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. This step opens up avenues for collaboration between the two companies to explore manufacturing of support equipment opportunities in aerospace. The Aerospace Division of BEML in Mysuru and the upcoming aerospace facility at SEZ near Bengaluru is to take advantage of the domestic and global opportunities in the ever-expanding aerospace market and benefit from the Offset policy laid down for defence procurement by Government of India.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday released the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee's meeting held on February 5-7. Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the neutral stance of the central bank will provide flexibility and the room to address challenges to sustained growth of the Indian economy over the coming months, as long as the inflation outlook remains benign.

In his statement, Das said that global growth was losing traction amidst lingering trade tensions and uncertainty around Brexit. On the positive side, crude oil prices remain soft, though the benefit for net exports could be restricted due to slowing global demand. GDP growth for 2019-20 is projected at 7.4% - in the range of 7.2-7.4% in H1, and 7.5% in Q3 - with risks evenly balanced.

Das noted that the CPI inflation print of December at 2.2% continued to surprise on the downside. The RBI Governor also believed that the outlook for food inflation was expected to be benign in the backdrop of excess domestic supply conditions in many food items. CPI inflation is projected at below 4% in the remaining four quarters - 2.8% in Q4:2018-19, 3.2-3.4% in H1:2019-20 and 3.9% in Q3:2019-20 - with risks broadly balanced.

Overseas, Asian shares declined, following a negative closing in the US stocks after the release of a stream of disappointing global economic data on Thursday. Investors continue to closely watch high-level talks between US and Chinese trade negotiators in Washington, with little more than a week left before a US-imposed deadline for an agreement expires, triggering higher tariffs.

US stocks finished lower Thursday as fresh economic data out of Europe and Japan suggest further slowing in global growth. Concerns about slowing global growth were underscored by the release of surveys from Europe and Japan that showed manufacturing contracting in February, with export-dependent German manufacturers reporting the worst drop in activity in more than six years.

In US, December's durable goods data showed a surprise slowdown in business spending. The Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey fell to minus 4.1, the first negative number since May 2016 and the biggest drop since August 2011. Markit PMI data also showed manufacturing activity at the slowest pace in 17 months.

Key benchmarks bounced back from early lows and were trading almost flat in morning trade. At 10:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 1.63 points at 35,899.98. The Nifty 50 index was flat at 10,789.75. Sentiment continued to be fragile due to negative global cues.

Broader market was trading higher. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.43%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.60%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1184 shares rose and 612 shares fell. A total of 90 shares were unchanged.

FMCG shares were in demand. Britannia Industries (up 1.26%), Dabur India (up 1.23%), Marico (up 1.19%), Colgate Palmolive (India) (up 1.12%), Bajaj Corp (up 0.93%), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care (up 0.82%), Godrej Consumer Products (up 0.77%), Hindustan Unilever (up 0.75%), Nestle India (up 0.68%), Tata Global Beverages (up 0.37%), GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (up 0.20%) and Jyothy Laboratories (up 0.06%), edged higher.

Auto shares witnessed buying support. TVS Motor Company (up 1.93%), Ashok Leyland (up 1.85%), Maruti Suzuki India (up 1.84%), Mahindra & Mahindra (up 1.68%), Hero MotoCorp (up 1.45%), Bajaj Auto (up 1.29%), Escorts (up 0.63%), Tata Motors (up 0.47%) and Eicher Motors (up 0.27%), edged higher.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday released the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee's meeting held on February 5-7. Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the neutral stance of the central bank will provide flexibility and the room to address challenges to sustained growth of the Indian economy over the coming months, as long as the inflation outlook remains benign.

In his statement, Das said that global growth was losing traction amidst lingering trade tensions and uncertainty around Brexit. On the positive side, crude oil prices remain soft, though the benefit for net exports could be restricted due to slowing global demand. GDP growth for 2019-20 is projected at 7.4% - in the range of 7.2-7.4% in H1, and 7.5% in Q3 - with risks evenly balanced.

Das noted that the CPI inflation print of December at 2.2% continued to surprise on the downside. The RBI Governor also believed that the outlook for food inflation was expected to be benign in the backdrop of excess domestic supply conditions in many food items. CPI inflation is projected at below 4% in the remaining four quarters - 2.8% in Q4:2018-19, 3.2-3.4% in H1:2019-20 and 3.9% in Q3:2019-20 - with risks broadly balanced.

Overseas, Asian shares declined, following a negative closing in the US stocks after the release of a stream of disappointing global economic data on Thursday. Investors continue to closely watch high-level talks between US and Chinese trade negotiators in Washington, with little more than a week left before a US-imposed deadline for an agreement expires, triggering higher tariffs.

US stocks finished lower Thursday as fresh economic data out of Europe and Japan suggest further slowing in global growth. Concerns about slowing global growth were underscored by the release of surveys from Europe and Japan that showed manufacturing contracting in February, with export-dependent German manufacturers reporting the worst drop in activity in more than six years.

In US, December's durable goods data showed a surprise slowdown in business spending. The Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey fell to minus 4.1, the first negative number since May 2016 and the biggest drop since August 2011. Markit PMI data also showed manufacturing activity at the slowest pace in 17 months.

Key benchmark indices were trading lower in early trade, tracking negative leads from Asian markets and overnight decline on the Wall Street. At 9:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 28.42 points or 0.08% at 35,869.93. The Nifty 50 index was down 18.20 points or 0.17% at 10,771.65.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.07%. The BSE Small-Cap index was flat at 13,414.60.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 538 shares rose and 361 shares fell. A total of 38 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian shares declined Friday, following a negative closing in the US stocks after the release of a stream of disappointing global economic data on Thursday. Investors continue to closely watch high-level talks between US and Chinese trade negotiators in Washington, with little more than a week left before a US-imposed deadline for an agreement expires, triggering higher tariffs.

US stocks finished lower Thursday as fresh economic data out of Europe and Japan suggest further slowing in global growth. Concerns about slowing global growth were underscored by the release of surveys from Europe and Japan that showed manufacturing contracting in February, with export-dependent German manufacturers reporting the worst drop in activity in more than six years.

In US, December's durable goods data showed a surprise slowdown in business spending. The Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey fell to minus 4.1, the first negative number since May 2016 and the biggest drop since August 2011. Markit PMI data also showed manufacturing activity at the slowest pace in 17 months.

Back home, Tata Steel was down 0.96%. The company informed that the meeting of the board of directors of the company is scheduled on 26 February 2019, inter alia, to consider and approve the issuance of unsecured Non-Convertible Debentures on private placement basis. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 February 2019.

Bharat Electronics (BEL) was up 1.61%. The company has on 20 February 2019, signed an MoU with JSR Dynamics Pvt Ltd (JSR), a Nagpur-based start-up Company, at Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru. The MoU aims at leveraging the individual design and manufacturing capabilities of BEL and JSR to develop weapons and light weight cruise missiles, which have business potential in both the domestic and international markets. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 February 2019.

AU Small Finance Bank was up 0.15%. The company has entered into agreement with ACKO General Insurance Company for General insurance as Corporate Agent. This tie up shall be mutually beneficial for Bank & ACKO General Insurance Company in terms of business, market penetration and digital distribution of Insurance Products. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 February 2019.

Allahabad Bank was down 2.05%. The bank has received a communication from the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services regarding fresh capital infusion of Rs 6896 crore towards contribution of the Central Government in the preferential allotment of equity shares (Special Securities/Bonds) of the Bank during the financial year 2018-19, as Government's investment. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 February 2019.

Security and Intelligence Services (India) was up 2.71%. The company said its subsidiary SIS Australia Group Pty Ltd on 21 February 2019, has signed definitive agreements to acquire initially 51% shareholding in Platform 4 Group. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 February 2019.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday released the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee's meeting held on February 5-7. Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the neutral stance of the central bank will provide flexibility and the room to address challenges to sustained growth of the Indian economy over the coming months, as long as the inflation outlook remains benign.

In his statement, Das said that global growth was losing traction amidst lingering trade tensions and uncertainty around Brexit. On the positive side, crude oil prices remain soft, though the benefit for net exports could be restricted due to slowing global demand. GDP growth for 2019-20 is projected at 7.4% - in the range of 7.2-7.4% in H1, and 7.5% in Q3 - with risks evenly balanced.

Das noted that the CPI inflation print of December at 2.2% continued to surprise on the downside. The RBI Governor also believed that the outlook for food inflation was expected to be benign in the backdrop of excess domestic supply conditions in many food items. CPI inflation is projected at below 4% in the remaining four quarters - 2.8% in Q4:2018-19, 3.2-3.4% in H1:2019-20 and 3.9% in Q3:2019-20 - with risks broadly balanced.

The Sensex and the Nifty were trading near day's high levels in mid-afternoon trade. At 14:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 181.83 points or 0.51% at 35,938.09. The Nifty 50 index was up 59.30 points or 0.55% at 10,794.75. Positive global cues boosted investors sentiment. The Nifty was trading near 10,800 mark.

Overseas, most shares in Europe and Asia rose after the US Federal Reserve signalled it would be patient on further interest rate increases and as trade talks between China and the United states seemed to progress.

US stock indices ended the choppy session moderately higher Wednesday, following the release of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January meeting.

Fed minutes affirmed it would be patient on interest rate rises. Fed highlighted downside risks, including the possibilities of a sharper-than-expected slowdown in global economic growth, particularly in China and Europe, a rapid waning of fiscal policy stimulus, or a further tightening of financial market conditions.

The minutes showed extensive discussion of market conditions, particularly on the emphasis that Fed actions were having on prices of risky assets like stocks and corporate bonds. The Fed also judged that a patient approach to interest rate hikes would be prudent as it continued to weigh various headwinds to growth.

On the trade front, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US may not increase tariffs on Chinese goods as scheduled after March 1, but he did raise the specter of addressing auto tariffs in Europe.

Back home, broader market outperformed the main stock indices. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.85%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.96%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1453 shares rose and 983 shares fell. A total of 135 shares were unchanged.

Most IT shares declined. MphasiS (down 1.94%), Infosys (down 0.76%), Hexaware Technologies (down 0.59%), MindTree (down 0.46%), Oracle Financial Services Software (down 0.17%) and HCL Technologies (down 0.13%), edged lower. Wipro (up 0.94%), TCS (up 1.02%) and Persistent Systems (up 1.64%), edged higher.

Tech Mahindra was up 2.61%. The company announced during trading hours today, 21 February 2019, that its board approved the proposal to buyback upto 2.05 crore equity shares, or 2.10% equity, at Rs 950 each.

Pharmaceutical shares were mixed. Wockhardt (up 1.23%), Piramal Enterprises (up 1.22%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (up 0.89%), Cipla (up 0.78%), Dr Reddy's Laboratories (up 0.64%), Strides Shasun (up 0.40%), Lupin (up 0.18%) and IPCA Laboratories (up 0.01%), edged higher. Aurobindo Pharma (down 0.06%), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (down 0.53%), Cadila Healthcare (down 0.64%), Divi's Laboratories (down 0.82%), GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (down 1.04%) and Alkem Laboratories (down 1.48%), edged lower.

Key benchmarks extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in afternoon trade. At 13:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 157.24 points or 0.44% at 35,913.50. The Nifty 50 index was up 45.15 points or 0.42% at 10,780.60. Positive Asian cues boosted investors sentiment.

Broader market outperformed the main stock indices. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.63%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.73%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1,380 shares rose and 964 shares fell. A total of 144 shares were unchanged.

Tata Motors (up 2.67%), Vedanta (up 2.56%), ONGC (up 1.98%), ICICI Bank (up 1.91%) and Reliance Industries (up 1.17%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

Bharti Airtel (down 1.5%), Yes Bank (down 1.19%) and Infosys (down 0.84%) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

Tata Steel rose 1.44% after Moody's Investors Service upgraded the company's corporate family rating by one notch to Ba2 from Ba3. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 20 February 2019.

Global ratings agency Moody's Investors Service upgraded Tata Steel's corporate family rating (CFR) by one notch to Ba2 from Ba3. The outlook is stable. Tata Steel's CFR is supported by its significant, diversified and growing operating base and its globally cost competitive steel operations in India, with the latter being a function of its ownership of key raw materials. These factors, alongside favorable industry dynamics in its key operating market in India have translated into the company's sustained track record of improving credit metrics.

Tech Mahindra was up 2.33% to Rs 830.65. The company announced during trading hours today, 21 February 2019, that its board approved the proposal to buyback upto 2.05 crore equity shares, or 2.10% equity, at Rs 950 each.

Overseas, most Asian shares were trading higher on Thursday. US stock indices ended the choppy session moderately higher Wednesday, following the release of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January meeting.

Fed minutes affirmed it would be patient on interest rate rises. Fed highlighted downside risks, including the possibilities of a sharper-than-expected slowdown in global economic growth, particularly in China and Europe, a rapid waning of fiscal policy stimulus, or a further tightening of financial market conditions.

The minutes showed extensive discussion of market conditions, particularly on the emphasis that Fed actions were having on prices of risky assets like stocks and corporate bonds. The Fed also judged that a patient approach to interest rate hikes would be prudent as it continued to weigh various headwinds to growth.

On the trade front, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US may not increase tariffs on Chinese goods as scheduled after March 1, but he did raise the specter of addressing auto tariffs in Europe.

Key benchmarks trimmed gains after hitting fresh intraday high in early afternoon trade. At 12:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 102.33 points or 0.29% at 35,858.59. The Nifty 50 index was up 29.80 points or 0.28% at 10,765.25.

Indices opened on a flat note and firmed up as the session progressed. Positive Asian cues boosted investors sentiment.

Broader market outperformed the main stock indices. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.47%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.57%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1306 shares rose and 905 shares fell. A total of 131 shares were unchanged.

Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) was down 0.16%. Bhel announced during trading hours today, 21 February 2019, that it has achieved yet another milestone by successfully commissioning a 250 MW coal-based thermal power plant (TPP) in Bihar.

Cement shares advanced. UltraTech Cement (up 1.60%), Ambuja Cements (up 1.38%) and ACC (up 0.56%), edged higher.

Grasim Industries was up 2.16%. Grasim has exposure to cement sector through its holding in UltraTech Cement.

Telecom shares were mixed. MTNL (up 17.65%), Reliance Communications (up 2.93%) and Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) (up 2.59%), edged higher. Vodafone Idea (down 0.16%) and Bharti Airtel (down 1.26%), edged lower.

Overseas, most Asian shares were trading higher on Thursday. US stock indices ended the choppy session moderately higher Wednesday, following the release of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January meeting.

Fed minutes affirmed it would be patient on interest rate rises. Fed highlighted downside risks, including the possibilities of a sharper-than-expected slowdown in global economic growth, particularly in China and Europe, a rapid waning of fiscal policy stimulus, or a further tightening of financial market conditions.

The minutes showed extensive discussion of market conditions, particularly on the emphasis that Fed actions were having on prices of risky assets like stocks and corporate bonds. The Fed also judged that a patient approach to interest rate hikes would be prudent as it continued to weigh various headwinds to growth.

On the trade front, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US may not increase tariffs on Chinese goods as scheduled after March 1, but he did raise the specter of addressing auto tariffs in Europe.

The market firmed up and hit fresh intraday high in mid-morning trade. At 11:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 81.67 points or 0.23% at 35,837.93. The Nifty 50 index was up 25.70 points or 0.24% at 10,761.15.

Indices opened on a flat note and firmed up as the session progressed. Positive Asian cues boosted investors sentiment.

Broader market outperformed the main stock indices. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.46%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.50%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1190 shares rose and 845 shares fell. A total of 112 shares were unchanged.

Tech Mahindra was up 2.10%. The company announced during trading hours today, 21 February 2019, that its board approved the proposal to buyback upto 2.05 crore equity shares, or 2.10% equity, at Rs 950 each.

Auto shares declined. TVS Motor Company (down 2.09%), Maruti Suzuki India (down 1.56%), Hero MotoCorp (down 1.01%), Ashok Leyland (down 0.74%), Mahindra & Mahindra (down 0.72%), Bajaj Auto (down 0.51%), Eicher Motors (down 0.33%) and Escorts (down 0.04%), edged lower. Tata Motors was up 0.33%.

Realty shares were mixed. Peninsula Land (up 5.20%), Unitech (up 4.07%), Sobha (up 2.03%), Indiabulls Real Estate (up 1.17%), Oberoi Realty (up 0.74%), D B Realty (up 0.70%), Anant Raj (up 0.67%), DLF (up 0.31%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (HDIL) (up 0.22%) and Mahindra Lifespace Developers (up 0.03%), edged higher. Sunteck Realty (down 0.06%), Parsvnath Developers (down 0.19%), Godrej Properties (down 0.23%), Omaxe (down 0.24%), Phoenix Mills (down 0.57%) and Prestige Estates Projects (down 1.41%), edged lower.

Overseas, Asian shares were trading higher on Thursday. US stock indices ended the choppy session moderately higher Wednesday, following the release of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January meeting.

Fed minutes affirmed it would be patient on interest rate rises. Fed highlighted downside risks, including the possibilities of a sharper-than-expected slowdown in global economic growth, particularly in China and Europe, a rapid waning of fiscal policy stimulus, or a further tightening of financial market conditions.

The minutes showed extensive discussion of market conditions, particularly on the emphasis that Fed actions were having on prices of risky assets like stocks and corporate bonds. The Fed also judged that a patient approach to interest rate hikes would be prudent as it continued to weigh various headwinds to growth.

On the trade front, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US may not increase tariffs on Chinese goods as scheduled after March 1, but he did raise the specter of addressing auto tariffs in Europe.

Key equity indices were trading in a narrow range near flat line in morning trade. At 10:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 23.29 points or 0.07% at 35,732.97. The Nifty 50 index was down 6.10 points or 0.06% at 10,729.35. Metal shares were in demand. Shares of PSU banks advanced.

Broader market outperformed the main stock indices. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.40%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.44%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1041 shares rose and 731 shares fell. A total of 97 shares were unchanged.

Metal shares were in demand. Vedanta (up 1.75%), NMDC (up 1.06%), Hindustan Zinc (up 0.91%), Jindal Steel & Power (up 0.80%), Hindalco Industries (up 0.75%), Hindustan Copper (up 0.67%), Steel Authority of India (up 0.63%), Tata Steel (up 0.57%) and JSW Steel (up 0.24%), edged higher. National Aluminium Company was down 1.81%.

Shares of PSU banks advanced after the government on Wednesday decided to infuse Rs 48,239 crore in 12 public sector banks as part of the recapitalisation plan, which will help them maintain regulatory capital requirements and finance growth plans.

Corporation Bank (up 14.51%), United Bank of India (up 7.59%), UCO Bank (up 7.58%), Andhra Bank (up 5.85%), Allahabad Bank (up 5.68%), Central Bank of India (up 5.67%), Bank of Maharashtra (up 5.5%), Punjab National Bank (up 3.31%), Union Bank of India (up 3.31%), Syndicate Bank (up 3.12%), Bank of India (up 3%), Punjab & Sind Bank (up 2.98%), Dena Bank (up 2.64%), Vijaya Bank (up 2.5%), Canara Bank (up 1.99%), State Bank of India (up 0.84%) and Bank of Baroda (up 0.05%), edged higher. Indian Bank (down 0.27%) and IDBI Bank (down 0.34%), edged lower.

Overseas, Asian shares were trading higher on Thursday. US stock indices ended the choppy session moderately higher Wednesday, following the release of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January meeting.

Fed minutes affirmed it would be patient on interest rate rises. Fed highlighted downside risks, including the possibilities of a sharper-than-expected slowdown in global economic growth, particularly in China and Europe, a rapid waning of fiscal policy stimulus, or a further tightening of financial market conditions.

The minutes showed extensive discussion of market conditions, particularly on the emphasis that Fed actions were having on prices of risky assets like stocks and corporate bonds. The Fed also judged that a patient approach to interest rate hikes would be prudent as it continued to weigh various headwinds to growth.

On the trade front, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US may not increase tariffs on Chinese goods as scheduled after March 1, but he did raise the specter of addressing auto tariffs in Europe.

Key benchmark indices were trading near flat line in early trade. At 9:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was flat at 35,756.51. The Nifty 50 index was down 10.30 points or 0.10% at 10,725.15.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.21%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.06%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 504 shares rose and 402 shares fell. A total of 36 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, most Asian shares bounced back from intraday lows on Thursday. US stock indices ended the choppy session moderately higher Wednesday, following the release of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January meeting.

Fed minutes affirmed it would be patient on interest rate rises. Fed highlighted downside risks, including the possibilities of a sharper-than-expected slowdown in global economic growth, particularly in China and Europe, a rapid waning of fiscal policy stimulus, or a further tightening of financial market conditions.

The minutes showed extensive discussion of market conditions, particularly on the emphasis that Fed actions were having on prices of risky assets like stocks and corporate bonds. The Fed also judged that a patient approach to interest rate hikes would be prudent as it continued to weigh various headwinds to growth.

On the trade front, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US may not increase tariffs on Chinese goods as scheduled after March 1, but he did raise the specter of addressing auto tariffs in Europe.

Back home, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories was up 0.51%. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, along with its subsidiaries announced the re-launch of its Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Film, 2 mg/0.5 mg, 4 mg/1 mg, 8 mg/2 mg, and 12 mg/3 mg, a therapeutic equivalent generic version of Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film, in the United States market. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 20 February 2019.

JSW Steel was down 0.13%. Moody's Investors Service has changed outlook on JSW Steel's corporate family rating (CFR) and senior unsecured bond rating to Positive from Stable while affirming rating at Ba2. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 20 February 2019.

Dynamatic Technologies was up 3.11%. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Joint-Stock Company (JSC) Russian Helicopters on Ka-226T Helicopter with an intent to build major structural assemblies for fuselage and aggregate assembly, sub-assemblies and detail parts fabrication. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 20 February 2019.

Zuari Agro Chemicals was up 2.16%. The company's board of directors approved raising of funds by way of issue of Compulsory Convertible Debentures to the existing shareholders of the company on a rights basis up to Rs 500 crore subject to all applicable statutory and regulatory approvals. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 20 February 2019.

Shipping Corporation of India was up 0.56%. The company has given physical delivery of its one bulk carrier m.v. Tamilnadu, to its buyer. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 20 February 2019.

Key indices firmed up once again, but failed to breach the day's high and pared gains in mid-afternoon trade. At 14:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 178.37 points or 0.50% at 35,530.98. The Nifty 50 index was up 57.85 points or 0.55% at 10,662.20. The undertone of the market continued to be strong amid positive global cues.

The market opened higher and hit fresh intraday high in morning trade. Indices came off day's high in mid-morning trade and they further pared gains in early afternoon trade. After firming up once again in afternoon trade, indices failed to cross the day's high and they pared gains in mid-afternoon trade.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.47%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.49%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1327 shares rose and 1121 shares fell. A total of 140 shares were unchanged.

Most auto shares rose. Ashok Leyland (up 2.21%), Escorts (up 1.60%), Eicher Motors (up 0.85%), Tata Motors (up 0.80%), Maruti Suzuki India (up 0.58%) and Bajaj Auto (up 0.01%), edged higher. Mahindra & Mahindra (down 0.13%), Hero MotoCorp (down 0.6%) and TVS Motor Company (down 1.16%), edged lower.

Capital goods shares advanced. Punj Lloyd (up 4.70%), Jindal Saw (up 3.23%), Crompton Greaves (up 2.26%), BEML (up 2.12%), Suzlon Energy (up 1.99%), Havells India (up 1.63%), Siemens (up 1.43%), Bharat Electronics (up 1.19%), ABB India (up 1.13%), Praj Industries (up 0.72%), Lakshmi Machine Works (up 0.36%), Bharat Heavy Electricals (up 0.32%) and GE T&D India (up 0.25%), edged higher.

Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was up 1.69% to Rs 1,277.

Overseas, shares in Europe and Asia were trading higher Wednesday, amid rising hopes the world's two largest economies could soon secure a trade deal to end a protracted dispute.

Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a magical date. Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

Firmness prevailed on the bourses in afternoon trade. At 13:21 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 221.38 points or 0.63% at 35,573.99. The Nifty 50 index was up 70.15 points or 0.66% at 10,674.50. Positive cues from other Asian stocks boosted investors sentiment.

The market opened higher and hit fresh intraday high in morning trade. Indices came off day's high in mid-morning trade and they further pared gains in early afternoon trade.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.49%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.56%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1307 shares rose and 1016 shares fell. A total of 123 shares were unchanged.

Tata Steel (up 3.58%), ONGC (up 1.87%), L&T (up 1.77%), Infosys (up 1.7%) and Yes Bank (up 1.6%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

Hindustan Unilever (down 0.78%), Hero MotoCorp (down 0.57%) and Bajaj Auto (down 0.39%) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

Vedanta was up 4.12%. The company termed reports of alleged discussions between Vedanta and JSW Steel for a possible last-minute joint bid for Essar Steel as speculative and baseless. The company confirms categorically that it is not in the process of submitting any revised bid for Essar Steel under the IBC process as mentioned in the articles, Vedanta said. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Overseas, most Asian shares traded higher on Wednesday after US-China trade talks resumed. Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a magical date. Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

The market pared gains and traded with modest gains in early afternoon trade. At 12:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 164.22 points or 0.46% at 35,516.83. The Nifty 50 index was up 55.10 points or 0.52% at 10,659.45. Positive cues from other Asian stocks boosted investors sentiment.

The market opened higher and hit fresh intraday high in morning trade. Indices came off day's high in mid-morning trade and they further pared gains in early afternoon trade.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.38%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.51%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1281 shares rose and 938 shares fell. A total of 124 shares were unchanged.

Cement shares were in demand. ACC (up 2.19%), Ambuja Cements (up 2.17%) and UltraTech Cement (up 1.92%), edged higher.

Grasim Industries was up 1.40%. Grasim has exposure to cement sector through its holding in UltraTech Cement.

Most telecom shares climbed. MTNL (up 0.92%), Bharti Airtel (up 0.74%) and Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) (up 0.32%), edged higher. Vodafone Idea (down 0.33%) and Reliance Communications (down 6.48%), edged lower.

Overseas, most Asian shares traded higher on Wednesday after US-China trade talks resumed. Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a magical date. Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

The market came off day's high in mid-morning trade. At 11:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 210.57 points or 0.60% at 35,563.18. The Nifty 50 index was up 64.80 points or 0.61% at 10,669.15. Positive cues from other Asian stocks boosted investors sentiment.

The market opened higher and hit fresh intraday high in morning trade. Indices trimmed gains in mid-morning trade.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.35%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.58%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1309 shares rose and 660 shares fell. A total of 111 shares were unchanged.

Shares of Anil Ambani Group companies declined on reports that the Supreme Court (SC) found Anil Ambani guilty of contempt and said that the Reliance Group companies had no intention of adhering to the payment schedule for outstanding dues to Ericsson AB. Reliance Communications (down 8.42%), Reliance Capital (down 6.98%), Reliance Infrastructure (down 6.1%), Reliance Naval and Engineering (down 4.23%), Reliance Power (down 1.38%) and Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (down 0.49%), edged lower.

According to reports, SC has given Reliance Communications four weeks to clear the Rs 450-crore dues to Ericsson. The court also said that Chairman Anil Ambani could face three months in jail if Ericsson's dues are not cleared, reports added.

PSU banks advanced on reports that the government may infuse capital in select state-run banks. Corporation Bank (up 4.29%), Central Bank of India (up 3.32%), Indian Bank (up 2.98%), Allahabad Bank (up 2.88%), Punjab & Sind Bank (up 2.01%), Syndicate Bank (up 1.91%), IDBI Bank (up 1.53%), Dena Bank (up 1.48%), Canara Bank (up 1.32%), Punjab National Bank (up 1.29%), State Bank of India (up 1.26%), Bank of Maharashtra (up 1.14%), Union Bank of India (up 1.02%), Bank of Baroda (up 0.93%), Vijaya Bank (up 0.88%), Bank of India (up 0.8%), Andhra Bank (up 0.64%), United Bank of India (up 0.6%) and UCO Bank (up 0.58%), edged higher.

Realty shares were in demand. Unitech (up 4.24%), Parsvnath Developers (up 3.24%), Peninsula Land (up 2.38%), Anant Raj (up 2%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (HDIL) (up 1.80%), Godrej Properties (up 1.62%), Phoenix Mills (up 0.78%), Prestige Estates Projects (up 0.66%), Oberoi Realty (up 0.63%), Mahindra Lifespace Developers (up 0.50%), Indiabulls Real Estate (up 0.28%), Sunteck Realty (up 0.27%), Omaxe (up 0.14%) and Sobha (up 0.12%), edged higher. DLF (down 0.03%) and D B Realty (down 0.23%), edged lower.

Overseas, most Asian shares traded higher on Wednesday after US-China trade talks resumed. Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a magical date. Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

Key equity indices were trading near day's high in morning trade. At 10:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 217.34 points or 0.61% at 35,569.95. The Nifty 50 index was up 69.65 points or 0.66% at 10,674.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.70%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.68%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1262 shares rose and 592 shares fell. A total of 101 shares were unchanged.

Metal shares advanced. Jindal Steel & Power (up 5.13%), Steel Authority of India (up 4.66%), Vedanta (up 3.14%), JSW Steel (up 3.10%), Tata Steel (up 3.08%), Hindalco Industries (up 2.71%), Hindustan Zinc (up 1.65%), Hindustan Copper (up 1.24%) and NMDC (up 0.86%), edged higher. National Aluminium Company was down 2.06%.

FMCG shares moved higher. Dabur India (up 1.16%), Colgate Palmolive (India) (up 1.08%), Jyothy Laboratories (up 0.95%), Bajaj Corp (up 0.78%), Marico (up 0.66%), Godrej Consumer Products (up 0.61%), Tata Global Beverages (up 0.60%), Britannia Industries (up 0.58%), Nestle India (up 0.48%) and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (up 0.10%), edged higher. Hindustan Unilever (down 0.29%) and Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care (down 0.51%), edged lower.

Overseas, Asian shares traded higher on Wednesday after US-China trade talks resumed. Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a magical date. Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

Key benchmark indices were trading higher in early trade, mirroring positive Asian stocks. At 9:22 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 245.33 points or 0.69% at 35,597.94. The Nifty 50 index was up 64.95 points or 0.61% at 10,669.30.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.60%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.53%. Both these indices underperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 766 shares rose and 278 shares fell. A total of 52 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian shares traded higher on Wednesday after US-China trade talks resumed. Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a magical date. Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

Back home, Majesco was up 5.56%. The company announced that American Public Life Insurance Company (APL) selected Majesco L&A and Group Core Suite platform as the foundation of its digital business transformation strategy. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Essel Propack was down 0.65%. The company has further received Rs 40 crore towards repayment of outstanding dues of Inter corporate deposit. Essel has already received Rs 25.30 crore in last month. The balance amount is expected to be received by March 2019. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Vedanta was up 1.63%. The company termed reports of alleged discussions between Vedanta and JSW Steel for a possible last-minute joint bid for Essar Steel as speculative and baseless. The company confirms categorically that it is not in the process of submitting any revised bid for Essar Steel under the IBC process as mentioned in the articles, Vedanta said. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Maharashtra Seamless was up 2.63%. The company made payment of Rs 477 crore for acquisition of United Seamless Tubulaar (USTPL) under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 as approved by Hyderabad Bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Duke Offshore surged 19.86%. The company has been awarded a contract by Daewoo - Tata projects JV to provide one initial high speed vessel to support construction for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project. The contract is for a period of 2 years with an extension option upto 30 months and will start in the month of February 2019. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Trading turned volatile as key indices pared gains after hitting fresh intraday high in mid-afternoon trade. At 14:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 131.16 points or 0.37% at 35,629.60. The Nifty 50 index was up 45.90 points or 0.43% at 10,686.85. The Nifty pared gains after touching 10,700 mark in mid-afternoon trade.

The indices opened higher and extended gains in early trade. After hitting fresh intraday high in morning trade, indices pared gains in mid-morning trade. Benchmarks firmed up once again and hit fresh intraday high in mid-afternoon trade.

Broader market outperformed the main stock indices. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.92%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.70%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1442 shares rose and 986 shares fell. A total of 143 shares were unchanged.

Most private sector banks rose. ICICI Bank (up 3.09%), Axis Bank (up 1.61%), Yes Bank (up 0.63%), HDFC Bank (up 0.45%), RBL Bank (up 0.34%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (up 0.27%) and Federal Bank (up 0.19%), edged higher. City Union Bank (down 0.33%) and IndusInd Bank (down 1.48%), edged lower.

Public sector banks were in demand. Bank of India (up 5.65%), Bank of Baroda (up 4.89%), Indian Bank (up 4.34%), Vijaya Bank (up 4.27%), Dena Bank (up 4.06%), Union Bank of India (up 3.61%), Syndicate Bank (up 3.57%), Punjab National Bank (up 3.48%), Canara Bank (up 3.18%), United Bank of India (up 2.93%), State Bank of India (up 2.87%), IDBI Bank (up 2.72%), Allahabad Bank (up 2.53%), UCO Bank (up 2.07%), Corporation Bank (up 1.85%), Andhra Bank (up 1.29%), Punjab & Sind Bank (up 1.21%), Central Bank of India (up 0.35%) and Bank of Maharashtra (up 0.32%), edged higher.

IT major TCS was down 1.97%. The company announced during trading hours today, 19 February 2019, a partnership with Nanoheal, a predictive workspace automation platform provider, to offer enterprises cognitive, self-healing end-user device management solutions.

On the economic front, the central board of the Reserve Bank of India on Monday, 18 February 2019, decided to transfer an interim surplus of Rs 28,000 crore to the central government for the half-year ended 31 December 2018. This is the second successive year that RBI will be transferring an interim surplus.

In a separate notification, RBI said that based on an assessment of prevailing liquidity conditions and also of the durable liquidity needs going forward, it has decided to conduct purchase of the following Government securities under open market operations for an aggregate amount of Rs 12,500 crore on Thursday, 21 February 2019, through multi-security auction using the multiple price method.

Overseas, most shares in Europe and Asia edged higher as market participants anxiously waited for details from the latest round of US-China trade talks.

The White House reportedly said on Monday that trade talks between the two economic powerhouses will continue in Washington on Tuesday, with higher level negotiations starting later in the week.

US stock market was shut on Monday for a public holiday.

Key benchmark indices extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in afternoon trade. At 13:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 219.60 points or 0.62% at 35,718.04. The Nifty 50 index was up 70.10 points or 0.66% at 10,711.05.

The indices opened higher and extended gains in early trade. After hitting fresh intraday high in morning trade, indices pared gains in mid-morning trade.

Broader market outperformed the main stock indices. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 1.24%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.83%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1,448 shares rose and 897 shares fell. A total of 142 shares were unchanged.

Vedanta (up 3.48%), ICICI Bank (up 3.16%), M&M (up 2.62%), Tata Steel (up 2.58%) and State Bank of India (up 2.46%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

NTPC (down 2.23%), TCS (down 1.91%), Infosys (down 1.73%), IndusInd Bank (down 0.92%) and Hindustan Unilever (down 0.37%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

Ambuja Cements rose 1.14% after consolidated net profit surged 188.02% to Rs 1377.88 crore on 9.32% rise in total income to Rs 6855.22 crore in Q4 December 2018 over Q4 December 2017. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 18 February 2019.

Ambuja Cements' cement sales volumes increased to 13.63 million tonnes in Q4 December 2018 from 12.78 million tonnes in Q4 December 2017.

In its outlook, Ambuja Cements said that the higher allocation announced in the interim Budget 2019 to roads and the housing sector will help boost economic development in rural India which is expected to have a positive impact on cement demand.

Power Grid Corporation of India was up 0.09%. The company said that its board of directors has accorded 'Investment Approval for 'Northern Region System Strengthening - XL' at an estimated cost of Rs 572.98 crore with commissioning schedule of 22 months from the date of investment approval. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 18 February 2019.

On the economic front, the central board of the Reserve Bank of India on Monday, 18 February 2019, decided to transfer an interim surplus of Rs 28,000 crore to the central government for the half-year ended 31 December 2018. This is the second successive year that RBI will be transferring an interim surplus.

In a separate notification, RBI said that based on an assessment of prevailing liquidity conditions and also of the durable liquidity needs going forward, it has decided to conduct purchase of the following Government securities under open market operations for an aggregate amount of Rs 12,500 crore on Thursday, 21 February 2019, through multi-security auction using the multiple price method.

Overseas, most Asian shares were trading higher on Tuesday despite renewed geopolitical tensions, with China accusing the US of fueling cyber security fears. Investors also awaited developments on the US-China trade front. The White House reportedly said on Monday that trade talks between the two economic powerhouses will continue in Washington on Tuesday, with higher level negotiations starting later in the week.

According to media reports, the Chinese government said Monday that the US is attempting to curtail its technology development by claiming that Chinese mobile network gear might pose a cybersecurity threat to foreign countries which adopt the equipment. The US alleged that Beijing might use Chinese tech companies to gather intelligence about foreign countries, even though those claims have yet to be substantiated.

US stock market was shut on Monday for a public holiday.