Key indices nudged higher in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. At 9:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 40.12 points or 0.1% at 39,094.80. The Nifty 50 index was up 5.95 points or 0.05% at 11,732.10.

Trading could be volatile as traders roll over positions in the F&O segment from the near month April 2019 series to May 2019 series. The April 2019 F&O contracts expire today, 25 April 2019.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.17%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.14%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On the BSE, 573 shares rose and 330 shares fell. A total of 48 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian shares were trading lower on Thursday as a surprise deterioration in German business morale rekindled fears of slowing global growth. US stocks slipped on Wednesday after ending the previous session with a record as investors waited for more earnings reports.

Back home, State Bank of India (SBI) rose 0.19%. SBI announced that the executive committee of the central board in its meeting held on 24th April 2019 has approved long term fund raising in single/multiple tranches upto $2.5 billion, through a public offer and/or private placement of senior unsecured notes in US Dollar or any other convertible currency during FY 2019-2020. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 April 2019.

IPCA Laboratories rose 1.55%. IPCA Laboratories announced that it has entered into a share purchase agreement (SPA) to acquire 100% paid-up share capital of Ramdev Chemical for cash at Rs 108.50 crore. Ramdev Chemical is engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing of advanced drug intermediates, fine chemicals, custom synthesis molecules and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 April 2019.

Bank of Maharashtra gained 1.07%. Bank of Maharashtra announced that its board will meet on 29 April 2019 to consider the proposal of raising of capital through FPO/rights issue/QIP/preferential issue or any other mode or combination thereof and/or through issue of bonds or such other securities as may be permitted under applicable laws etc., subject to the necessary approvals. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 April 2019.

Stocks extended gains and hit intraday high in mid-afternoon trade. At 14:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 237.11 points or 0.61% at 38,801.99. The Nifty 50 index was up 81.55 points or 0.7% at 11,657.50. Telecom stocks gained.

Key indices edged higher in early trade on positive Asian stocks. Stocks hovered in positive zone in morning trade. Key indices traded in a small range with positive bias in mid-morning trade. Key equity benchmarks were trading with small gains in afternoon trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.14%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.25%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was negative. On the BSE, 1125 shares rose and 1230 shares fell. A total of 161 shares were unchanged.

Telecom stocks gained. Bharti Airtel (up 2.99%), Vodafone Idea (up 0.18%), MTNL (up 0.89%), Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) (up 0.34%) rose. Reliance Communications (down 4.52%) fell.

Shares of Bharti Infratel rose 1.78%. Bharti Infratel is a provider of tower and related infrastructure and is a unit of Bharti Airtel.

Tata Global Beverages fell 0.6% after consolidated net profit declined 61.48% to Rs 22.90 crore on 5.16% rise in net sales to Rs 1775.46 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Overseas, most European shares declined as market participants monitored the latest flurry of corporate results. Asian stocks were mixed on Wednesday.

In US, the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq registered record closing highs after a broadbased rally on Tuesday, as a clutch of better-than-expected earnings reports eased concerns about a slowdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 145.34 points, or 0.55%, to 26,656.39, the S&P 500 gained 25.71 points, or 0.88%, to 2,933.68 and the Nasdaq Composite added 105.56 points, or 1.32%, to 8,120.82.

Key equity benchmarks were trading with small gains in afternoon trade. At 13:22 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 55.22 points or 0.14% at 38,620.10. The Nifty 50 index was up 17.95 points or 0.16% at 11,593.90.

Key indices edged higher in early trade on positive Asian stocks. Stocks hovered in positive zone in morning trade. Key indices traded in a small range with positive bias in mid-morning trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was off 0.12%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was flat at 14,785.27.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was negative. On the BSE, 998 shares rose and 1256 shares fell. A total of 157 shares were unchanged.

HCL Technologies (up 2.04%), Bharti Airtel (up 1.93%), IndusInd Bank (up 1.86%), ONGC (up 1.83%), Asian Paints (up 1.45%), Infosys (up 1.02%), Reliance Industries (up 0.91%) and HDFC Bank (up 0.76%), were the major Sensex gainers.

Tata Motors (down 4.97%), Hero MotoCorp (down 1.24%), Vedanta (down 1.23%), Axis Bank (down 1.21%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (down 1.04%) and ITC (down 1.02%), were the major Sensex losers.

HDFC rose 0.68%. GRUH Finance rose 3.43%. Bandhan Bank rose 2.36%. HDFC announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through its letter dated 22 April 2019 has granted its final approval to HDFC to acquire upto 9.9% of the paid-up voting equity capital of Bandhan Bank post proposed amalgamation of GRUH Finance with Bandhan Bank. The amalgamation scheme remains subject to approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal and the respective shareholders and creditors of GRUH Finance and Bandhan Bank. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Maruti Suzuki India fell 1.17%. Maruti Suzuki India introduced the New Alto, which has been India's best-selling car for 15 consecutive years. Keeping years of trust and faith in mind, Maruti Suzuki drives in the New Alto with enhanced safety features and captivating design. The New Alto now comes with BS-VI compliant engine, nearly a year before the regulation being mandated. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Overseas, most European shares declined as market participants monitored the latest flurry of corporate results. Asian stocks were mixed on Wednesday.

In US, the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq registered record closing highs after a broadbased rally on Tuesday, as a clutch of better-than-expected earnings reports eased concerns about a slowdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 145.34 points, or 0.55%, to 26,656.39, the S&P 500 gained 25.71 points, or 0.88%, to 2,933.68 and the Nasdaq Composite added 105.56 points, or 1.32%, to 8,120.82.

Key indices hovered in a small range in early afternoon trade. At 12:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 73.32 points or 0.19% at 38,638.20. The Nifty 50 index was up 23.75 points or 0.21% at 11,599.70. Auto stocks declined.

Key indices edged higher in early trade on positive Asian stocks. Stocks hovered in positive zone in morning trade. Key indices traded in a small range with positive bias in mid-morning trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was off 0.03%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.11%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was negative. On the BSE, 1011 shares rose and 1147 shares fell. A total of 135 shares were unchanged.

HDFC rose 0.77%. GRUH Finance rose 3.59%. Bandhan Bank rose 2.47%. HDFC announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through its letter dated 22 April 2019 has granted its final approval to HDFC to acquire upto 9.9% of the paid-up voting equity capital of Bandhan Bank post proposed amalgamation of GRUH Finance with Bandhan Bank. The amalgamation scheme remains subject to approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal and the respective shareholders and creditors of GRUH Finance and Bandhan Bank. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Auto stocks declined. Tata Motors (down 5.35%), Eicher Motors (down 0.2%), Ashok Leyland (down 0.66%), Escorts (down 0.42%), Bajaj Auto (down 0.01%) and Hero MotoCorp (down 1.24%) fell. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) (up 0.06%), and TVS Motor Company (up 0.02%) rose.

Maruti Suzuki India fell 1.14%. Maruti Suzuki India introduced the New Alto, which has been India's best-selling car for 15 consecutive years. Keeping years of trust and faith in mind, Maruti Suzuki drives in the New Alto with enhanced safety features and captivating design. The New Alto now comes with BS-VI compliant engine, nearly a year before the regulation being mandated. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading higher on Wednesday after upbeat earnings helped the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indexes reach record closing highs on Wall Street overnight, while oil retreated from its near six-month highs.

In US, the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq registered record closing highs after a broadbased rally on Tuesday, as a clutch of better-than-expected earnings reports eased concerns about a slowdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 145.34 points, or 0.55%, to 26,656.39, the S&P 500 gained 25.71 points, or 0.88%, to 2,933.68 and the Nasdaq Composite added 105.56 points, or 1.32%, to 8,120.82.

Key indices traded in a small range with positive bias in mid-morning trade. At 11:27 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 71.73 points or 0.19% at 38,636.61. The Nifty 50 index was up 24.40 points or 0.21% at 11,600.35. Cement stocks dropped.

Key indices edged higher in early trade on positive Asian stocks. Stocks hovered in positive zone in morning trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.01%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.13%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, turned negative from positive. On the BSE, 997 shares rose and 1021 shares fell. A total of 117 shares were unchanged.

Maruti Suzuki India fell 1.21%. Maruti Suzuki India introduced the New Alto, which has been India's best-selling car for 15 consecutive years. Keeping years of trust and faith in mind, Maruti Suzuki drives in the New Alto with enhanced safety features and captivating design. The New Alto now comes with BS-VI compliant engine, nearly a year before the regulation being mandated. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Cement stocks dropped. Ambuja Cements (down 4.01%), UltraTech Cement (down 1.3%) and Shree Cement (down 0.88%) declined.

Grasim Industries was off 1.45%. Grasim has exposure to the cement sector through its holding in UltraTech Cement.

ACC lost 4.32%. Consolidated net profit rose 38.20% to Rs 345.99 crore on 8.23% increase in net sales to Rs 3,849.63 crore in Q1 March 2019 over Q1 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Operating EBITDA for the quarter registered a growth of 8% to Rs 532 crore as against Rs 492 crore during the same quarter of the previous year. Cement sales volume rose 5.63% to 7.5 million tonnes in Q1 March 2019 over Q1 March 2018.

The prices of fuel and slag rose in the quarter, which were mitigated by market initiatives, sustained cost reduction initiatives viz. material source-mix & fuel mix optimization and productivity improvement measures. Plant capacity utilization improved during the quarter. Strict controls on third party spend resulted in lower fixed cost as well as Selling General & Administrative expenses (SG&A) on year on year basis.

In its outlook, ACC said that predictions of a normal monsoon augur well for the rural economy. The government's continued thrust on infrastructure development as well as Housing-for-All initiatives are expected to invigorate the construction sector and stimulate cement demand.

Coromandel International rose 2.97% after consolidated net profit rose 23.18% to Rs 110.38 crore on 9.39% rise in net sales to Rs 2638.34 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading higher on Wednesday after upbeat earnings helped the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indexes reach record closing highs on Wall Street overnight, while oil retreated from its near six-month highs.

In US, the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq registered record closing highs after a broadbased rally on Tuesday, as a clutch of better-than-expected earnings reports eased concerns about a slowdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 145.34 points, or 0.55%, to 26,656.39, the S&P 500 gained 25.71 points, or 0.88%, to 2,933.68 and the Nasdaq Composite added 105.56 points, or 1.32%, to 8,120.82.

Stocks hovered in positive zone in morning trade. At 10:27 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 84.40 points or 0.22% at 38,649.28. The Nifty 50 index was up 30.25 points or 0.26% at 11,606.20.

Key indices edged higher in early trade on positive Asian stocks.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was off 0.05%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.23%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 955 shares rose and 797 shares fell. A total of 100 shares were unchanged.

ONGC (up 2.68%), HCL Technologies (up 1.85%), Asian Paints (up 1.57%), Yes Bank (up 1.44%) and IndusInd Bank (up 1.42%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

Tata Motors (down 5.12%), Maruti Suzuki India (down 1.88%), Vedanta (down 1.8%), Tata Steel (down 1.61%) and Hero MotoCorp (down 1.05%) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

Tata Power Company shed 0.07%. Tata Power Company announced that its wholly-subsidiary Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL) has signed a binding agreement to sell its 32 MW operating wind assets located in Satara District, Maharashtra. The power from these assets is currently tied up with Tata Power Company - Distribution (TPC-D) under a long-term power purchase agreement. The parties are currently executing conditions precedent defined under the agreement. Upon completion of the conditions precedent, the assets and liabilities pertaining to the said project would be transferred to the buyer. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

NBCC (India) lost 3.79%. NBCC (India) said it has signed agreements with Government of Republic of Mauritius on 11 April 2019 for project management consultancy for construction of Mauritius Police Academy (MPA), Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and National Library & National Achieves (NA&NL) at Mauritius. NBCC secured order of Lot -1 MPA, Lot-2 FSL, Lot-3 NA&NL through competitive bids invited by Government of Mauritius. Exim Bank of India is funding these projects under GoI Line of Credit. The approximate cost of the projects is $44 million with PMC fees of $1,807,256 for all the three lots. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading higher on Wednesday after upbeat earnings helped the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indexes reach record closing highs on Wall Street overnight, while oil retreated from its near six-month highs.

In US, the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq registered record closing highs after a broadbased rally on Tuesday, as a clutch of better-than-expected earnings reports eased concerns about a slowdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 145.34 points, or 0.55%, to 26,656.39, the S&P 500 gained 25.71 points, or 0.88%, to 2,933.68 and the Nasdaq Composite added 105.56 points, or 1.32%, to 8,120.82.

Key indices edged higher in early trade on positive Asian stocks. At 9:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 70.68 points or 0.18% at 38,635.56. The Nifty 50 index was up 21.15 points or 0.18% at 11,597.10.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.08%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.33%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On the BSE, 751 shares rose and 468 shares fell. A total of 52 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian stocks rose on Wednesday after upbeat earnings helped the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indexes reach record closing highs on Wall Street overnight, while oil retreated from its near six-month highs.

In US, the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq registered record closing highs after a broadbased rally on Tuesday, as a clutch of better-than-expected earnings reports eased concerns about a slowdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 145.34 points, or 0.55%, to 26,656.39, the S&P 500 gained 25.71 points, or 0.88%, to 2,933.68 and the Nasdaq Composite added 105.56 points, or 1.32%, to 8,120.82.

Back home, HDFC rose 0.99%. HDFC announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through its letter dated 22 April 2019 has granted its final approval to HDFC to acquire upto 9.9% of the paid-up voting equity capital of Bandhan Bank post proposed amalgamation of GRUH Finance with Bandhan Bank. The amalgamation scheme remains subject to approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal and the respective shareholders and creditors of GRUH Finance and Bandhan Bank. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

ACC lost 4.44%. On a consolidated basis, ACC's net profit rose 38.20% to Rs 345.99 crore on 8.23% increase in net sales to Rs 3,849.63 crore in Q1 March 2019 over Q1 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Lupin dropped 1.5%. Lupin said it has received a letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) classifying the inspection conducted at its Pithampur (Indore) Unit-2 facility in January 2019 as Official Action Indicated (OAI). The USFDA has stated that this facility may be subject to regulatory or administrative action and that it may withhold approval of any pending applications or supplements in which this facility is listed. The company does not believe that this classification will have an impact on disruption of supplies or the existing revenues from operations of this facility. The company is in the process of sending further updates of its corrective actions to the USFDA and is hopeful of a positive outcome. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 April 2019.

Key equity indices were hovering near day's high in mid-afternoon trade. At 14:27 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 114.04 points or 0.3% at 38,759.22. The Nifty 50 index was up 39.60 points or 0.34% at 11,634.05. Most FMCG stocks rose.

Local stocks nudged higher in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. Stocks trimmed gains in morning trade after an initial upmove. Stocks hovered in positive zone in mid-morning trade and turned range bound in afternoon trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.37%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.23%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 1219 shares rose and 1147 shares fell. A total of 169 shares were unchanged.

Most FMCG stocks rose. Britannia Industries (up 0.08%), GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Healthcare (up 0.48%), Colgate-Palmolive (India) (up 0.56%), Godrej Consumer Products (up 0.56%), Hindustan Unilever (up 0.28%), Marico (up 0.1%) and Nestle India (up 0.37%) rose.

Dabur India (down 0.09%), Tata Global Beverages (down 0.05%), Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care (down 0.2%), Jyothy Laboratories (down 0.41%) and Bajaj Consumer Care (down 0.33%) fell.

Aurionpro Solutions rose 1.6%. Aurionpro Solutions said it will supply, install and maintain self-servicing Kiosks at more than 500 branches of the bank across India. The order is valued at about Rs 18 crore. The installation and implementation will be completed by September 2019, followed by the maintenance and support. The announcement was made during trading hours today, 23 April 2019.

On the political front, as many as 116 Lok Sabha constituencies are undergoing polls today, 23 April 2019, across 14 states and Union Territories in Phase 3 of the 2019 general election. The 2019 general election, which is scheduled to be held in seven phases, kicked off on 11 April 2019 and will conclude on 19 May 2019. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.

Overseas, most European shares were trading lower as investors monitored a number of geopolitical issues and looked ahead to a new earnings season. Most Asian markets were trading lower Tuesday as oil prices surged to nearly six-month highs after the U.S. said it would soon impose sanctions on all buyers of Iranian oil.

On Monday, the Trump administration said it would no longer exempt any countries from U.S. sanctions if they continue to buy Iranian oil. The administration had granted eight waivers when it reimposed sanctions on Iran in November. These expire May 2. Asian countries, namely China, India, Japan and South Korea are major importers of Iranian oil.

US stocks closed mostly stronger Monday, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq finishing at a six-month high, as investors face a big week for corporate quarterly results and economic data following an extended holiday weekend.

In US economic data, the Chicago Fed national activity index rose to negative 0.15 March from negative 0.31 in February. Existing homes were sold at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.21 million in March, 4.9% lower than February's pace.

Key equity indices were trading in a narrow range in afternoon trade. At 13:18 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 77.94 points or 0.20% at 38,723.12. The Nifty 50 index was up 23 points or 0.20% at 11,617.45.

Local stocks nudged higher in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. Stocks trimmed gains in morning trade after an initial upmove. Stocks hovered in positive zone in mid-morning trade and turned range bound in afternoon trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.41%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.25%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 1178 shares rose and 1082 shares fell. A total of 164 shares were unchanged.

Private sector banks were mixed. IndusInd Bank (down 0.62%), RBL Bank (down 0.47%), HDFC Bank (down 0.43%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (down 0.29%) and Axis Bank (down 0.09%), edged lower. ICICI Bank (up 0.96%), Federal Bank (up 1.62%), City Union Bank (up 1.67%) and Yes Bank (up 2.10%), edged higher.

AU Small Finance Bank rose 0.30%. AU Small Finance Bank's net profit rose 42.39% to Rs 118.24 crore on 51.22% increase in total income to Rs 1,007.40 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

Public sector banks advanced. Bank of Maharashtra (up 3.84%), Union Bank of India (up 2.13%), Punjab National Bank (up 2.08%), Canara Bank (up 1.9%), Allahabad Bank (up 1.85%), Bank of Baroda (up 1.7%), Syndicate Bank (up 1.66%), UCO Bank (up 1.1%), Corporation Bank (up 0.89%), State Bank of India (up 0.89%), Andhra Bank (up 0.54%), Punjab & Sind Bank (up 0.52%), IDBI Bank (up 0.47%), Indian Bank (up 0.1%) and United Bank of India (up 0.09%), edged higher. Central Bank of India was down 0.15%.

Bank of India rose 0.76%. Bank of India said it has allotted 51.76 crore fresh equity shares of Rs 10 each to Government of India (promoters) at Rs 89.60 per share amounting to Rs 4638 crore through preferential issue. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

IT shares were mixed. Hexaware Technologies (up 2.11%), Infosys (up 0.92%), Persistent Systems (up 0.79%), MindTree (up 0.65%) and HCL Technologies (up 0.35%), edged higher. Wipro (down 0.02%), Tech Mahindra (down 0.07%), Oracle Financial Services Software (down 0.16%), TCS (down 1.17%) and MphasiS (down 1.33%), edged lower.

On the political front, as many as 116 Lok Sabha constituencies are undergoing polls today, 23 April 2019, across 14 states and Union Territories in Phase 3 of the 2019 general election. The 2019 general election, which is scheduled to be held in seven phases, kicked off on 11 April 2019 and will conclude on 19 May 2019. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.

Overseas, most European shares were trading lower as investors monitored a number of geopolitical issues and looked ahead to a new earnings season.

Asian shares were mixed on Tuesday with concerns China may slow the pace of policy easing.

US stocks ended a low-volume trading session little changed on Monday, with the biggest gains in the energy sector as investors otherwise stayed on the sidelines ahead of quarterly earnings.

Key indices hovered in a small range in positive zone in early afternoon trade. At 12:27 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 97.90 points or 0.25% at 38,743.08. The Nifty 50 index was up 30.85 points or 0.27% at 11,625.30. Realty stocks saw mixed trend. Cement shares rose.

Local stocks nudged higher in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. Stocks trimmed gains in morning trade after an initial upmove. Stocks hovered in positive zone in mid-morning trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.35%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.24%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, once again turned positive from negative. On the BSE, 1134 shares rose and 1038 shares fell. A total of 163 shares were unchanged.

Realty stocks saw mixed trend. DLF (up 1.27%), Indiabulls Real Estate (up 2.46%), Prestige Estates Projects (up 4.07%) and Oberoi Realty (up 0.37%) rose. Sobha (down 0.18%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (down 1.64%), D B Realty (down 1.22%) and Godrej Properties (down 1.18%) fell.

Cement shares rose. Ambuja Cements (up 0.71%), ACC (up 0.71%), UltraTech Cement (up 0.03%) and Shree Cement (up 0.49%) gained.

Grasim Industries was off 0.03%. Grasim has exposure to the cement sector through its holding in UltraTech Cement.

On the political front, as many as 116 Lok Sabha constituencies are undergoing polls today, 23 April 2019, across 14 states and Union Territories in Phase 3 of the 2019 general election. The 2019 general election, which is scheduled to be held in seven phases, kicked off on 11 April 2019 and will conclude on 19 May 2019. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.

Overseas, Asian shares were trading lower on Tuesday with concerns China may slow the pace of policy easing.

US stocks ended a low-volume trading session little changed on Monday, with the biggest gains in the energy sector as investors otherwise stayed on the sidelines ahead of quarterly earnings.

Stocks hovered in positive zone in mid-morning trade. At 11:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 74.20 points or 0.19% at 38,719.38. The Nifty 50 index was up 17.65 points or 0.15% at 11,612.10. Telecom stocks declined.

Local stocks nudged higher in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. Stocks trimmed gains in morning trade after an initial upmove.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.08%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.05%. Both these indices underperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, turned negative from positive. On the BSE, 1009 shares rose and 1038 shares fell. A total of 121 shares were unchanged.

Telecom stocks declined. Bharti Airtel (down 1.25%), Vodafone Idea (down 0.87%), MTNL (down 0.24%), and Reliance Communications (down 4.78%) fell. Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) (up 0.34%) rose.

Shares of Bharti Infratel fell 1.68%. Bharti Infratel is a provider of tower and related infrastructure and is a unit of Bharti Airtel.

AU Small Finance Bank rose 0.16%. AU Small Finance Bank's net profit rose 42.39% to Rs 118.24 crore on 51.22% increase in total income to Rs 1,007.40 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

Essel Propack rose 0.26% to Rs 133. Blackstone announced that private equity funds managed by Blackstone have entered into a definitive agreement with Ashok Goel Trust to purchase a majority stake in Essel Propack (EPL), a leading global specialty packaging company and the largest global manufacturer of laminated tubes. Ashok Goel Trust and its affiliates currently hold about 57% of EPL. Blackstone will pay a purchase price of Rs 134 per share to acquire a 51% shareholding from Ashok Goel Trust. As per the Takeover Code in India, this transaction will trigger a mandatory open offer for a purchase of additional 26% shares of the company and the acquiring entity has released a public announcement to the stock exchanges.

The open offer price has been fixed at Rs 139.19 per share. Based on the open offer subscription, the purchase price consideration will vary between Rs 2,157 crore and Rs 3,211 crore (or, approximately $310 million - $462 million). Ashok Goel will retain a minority stake in the company. The sale is expected to complete in the coming months, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

On the political front, as many as 116 Lok Sabha constituencies are undergoing polls today, 23 April 2019, across 14 states and Union Territories in Phase 3 of the 2019 general election. The 2019 general election, which is scheduled to be held in seven phases, kicked off on 11 April 2019 and will conclude on 19 May 2019. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.

Overseas, Asian shares were trading lower on Tuesday with concerns China may slow the pace of policy easing.

US stocks ended a low-volume trading session little changed on Monday, with the biggest gains in the energy sector as investors otherwise stayed on the sidelines ahead of quarterly earnings.

Stocks trimmed gains in morning trade after an initial upmove. At 10:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 64.82 points or 0.17% at 38,710. The Nifty 50 index was up 23.10 points or 0.2% at 11,617.55.

Local stocks nudged higher in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was off 0.05%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.05%. Both these indices underperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 909 shares rose and 901 shares fell. A total of 94 shares were unchanged.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (up 1.9%), ONGC (up 1.68%), Hero MotoCorp (up 1.44%), Reliance Industries (up 1.32%) and Yes Bank (up 1.22%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

Tata Steel (down 1.49%), Bharti Airtel (down 0.98%), NTPC (down 0.85%), TCS (down 0.73%) and L&T (down 0.65%) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

Sunteck Realty rose 0.36%. Sunteck Realty announced that its board will meet on 2 May 2019, to approve raising of funds by way of debt or equity or any other convertible securities etc. and through QIP, FPO, ADR, GDR, rights issue, debt issue, preferential issue, FCCB etc. or any other mode for raising of funds. The board will also consider audited standalone and consolidated financial results of the company for the quarter and year ended on 31 March 2019. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

Bank of India rose 0.22%. Bank of India said it has allotted 51.76 crore fresh equity shares of Rs 10 each to Government of India (promoters) at Rs 89.60 per share amounting to Rs 4638 crore through preferential issue. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

On the political front, as many as 116 Lok Sabha constituencies are undergoing polls today, 23 April 2019, across 14 states and Union Territories in Phase 3 of the 2019 general election. The 2019 general election, which is scheduled to be held in seven phases, kicked off on 11 April 2019 and will conclude on 19 May 2019. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.

Overseas, Asian shares were trading lower on Tuesday with concerns China may slow the pace of policy easing.

US stocks ended a low-volume trading session little changed on Monday, with the biggest gains in the energy sector as investors otherwise stayed on the sidelines ahead of quarterly earnings.

Local stocks nudged higher in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. At 9:21 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 180.17 points or 0.47% at 38,825.35. The Nifty 50 index was up 42.50 points or 0.37% at 11,636.95.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.36%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.32%. Both these indices underperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On the BSE, 652 shares rose and 289 shares fell. A total of 40 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian shares were trading lower on Tuesday with concerns China may slow the pace of policy easing.

US stocks ended a low-volume trading session little changed on Monday, with the biggest gains in the energy sector as investors otherwise stayed on the sidelines ahead of quarterly earnings.

Back home, Biocon rose 1.43%. Biocon said that its board of directors will consider and recommend a proposal for dividend and issue of bonus shares at the scheduled meeting on 25 April 2019. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

Mcleod Russel India rose 0.48%. The company has executed an agreement for sale of specified assets of Addabarie Tea Estate, Mahakali Tea Estate and Dirai Tea Estate of the company, with Luxmi Tea Company on 22 April 2019, subject to approval of appropriate authorities. Earlier, the company had entered into a non-binding term sheet with Saffron Enclave for sale of specified assets of the aforesaid three estates, which has expired on 31 March 2019. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

Hindustan Copper rose 2.28%. The company announced that its board will meet on 25 April 2019, to consider and recommend seeking members approval for raising funds through issue of equity shares through qualified institutional placement method in supersession of earlier resolution. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 April 2019.

On the political front, as many as 116 Lok Sabha constituencies are undergoing polls today, 23 April 2019, across 14 states and Union Territories in Phase 3 of the 2019 general election. The 2019 general election, which is scheduled to be held in seven phases, kicked off on 11 April 2019 and will conclude on 19 May 2019. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.

Stocks continued to trade with weakness in mid-afternoon trade. At 14:22 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 303.11 points or 0.77% at 38,837.17. The Nifty 50 index was down 105.10 points or 0.89% at 11,647.70. Shares of aviation companies fell as Brent crude prices firmed up in international market. Rise in crude oil prices weighed on the sentiment.

Domestic stocks drifted lower in early trade as trading resumed after a long weekend. Stock markets were shut on Friday, 19 April 2019, on account of Good Friday. Key indices cut losses in morning trade after an initial slide triggered by rise in crude oil prices. Crude oil prices rose to the highest in almost six months as the US government reportedly said it won't renew waivers to allow buyers to buy Iranian crude.

Stocks hovered in negative zone in mid-morning trade. Key equity indices further extended losses and hit fresh intraday low in afternoon trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.96%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 1.01%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On the BSE, 732 shares rose and 1652 shares fell. A total of 181 shares were unchanged.

Wipro rose 1.04%. Wipro clarified on Friday, 19 April 2019, that it became aware of a potentially abnormal activity within its network about 10 days ago in respect of few of its employee accounts, which were subjected to an advanced phishing campaign. The company promptly kicked off its standard operating procedure for addressing such incidents. The company has used its industry leading cyber security practices and partner ecosystem for remedial steps and has shared this intelligence with its partners to develop the antivirus signatures. The incident did not impact the company's ongoing critical business operations.

Maruti Suzuki India lost 1.23%. Maruti Suzuki India said that the company is all set to launch new 1.2 litre DUALJET, DUAL VVT BS VI engine with next generation Smart Hybrid technology in Baleno. The new BS VI compliant Baleno (Petrol) with Smart Hybrid will soon be available at NEXA showrooms across the country. Existing 1.2L VVT petrol engine variants will also be BS VI compliant and available in all variants including CVT. The announcement was made during market hours today, 22 April 2019.

Shares of aviation companies fell as Brent crude prices firmed up in international market. Jet Airways (India) (down 12.63%), SpiceJet (down 5.43%) and InterGlobe Aviation (down 4.3%) dropped.

ATF constitutes over 40% of an airline's operating costs. Prices of jet fuel are directly linked to crude oil prices.

In the global commodities markets, Brent for June 2019 settlement was up by $1.96 at $73.93 a barrel. The contract rose 35 cents, or 0.49% to settle at $71.97 a barrel during the previous trading session.

Overseas, most Asian stocks were trading lower as crude oil pushed higher on a report over Iranian oil waivers while the Easter holiday weekend continued in many countries.

Major US exchanges were closed on Good Friday. The most-watched European markets were closed on Good Friday and will also remain closed on Easter Monday.

Key equity indices further extended losses and hit fresh intraday low in afternoon trade. At 13:15 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 347.77 points or 0.89% at 38,792.51. The Nifty 50 index was down 124.05 points or 1.06% at 11,628.75. Rise in crude oil prices weighed on the sentiment.

Domestic stocks drifted lower in early trade as trading resumed after a long weekend. Stock markets were shut on Friday, 19 April 2019, on account of Good Friday. Key indices cut losses in morning trade after an initial slide triggered by rise in crude oil prices. Crude oil prices rose to the highest in almost six months as the US government reportedly said it won't renew waivers to allow buyers to buy Iranian crude. Stocks hovered in negative zone in mid-morning trade and further drifted lower in afternoon trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 1.04%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.99%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On the BSE, 727 shares rose and 1581 shares fell. A total of 168 shares were unchanged.

Shares of three state-run oil marketing companies fell as Brent crude prices firmed up in international market. HPCL (down 6%), BPCL (down 5.3%) and Indian Oil Corporation (down 4.07%) edged lower.

Higher crude oil prices could increase under-recoveries of PSU OMCs on domestic sale of LPG and kerosene at controlled prices. The government has already freed pricing of petrol and diesel.

In the global commodities markets, Brent for June 2019 settlement was up by $2.15 at $74.12 a barrel. The contract rose 35 cents, or 0.49% to settle at $71.97 a barrel during the previous trading session.

Yes Bank (down 4.07%), IndusInd Bank (down 2.27%), Axis Bank (down 2.21%), ICICI Bank (down 1.74%), HDFC (down 1.71%) and ONGC (down 1.62%), were the major Sensex gainers.

TCS (up 1.21%), Infosys (up 0.69%), NTPC (up 0.30%), Tata Motors (up 0.30%), Hindustan Unilever (up 0.10%) and Larsen & Toubro (up 0.10%), were the major Sensex gainers.

Bharti Airtel was up 0.07%. Bharti Airtel announced on Friday, 19 April 2019, that its proposed rights issue is scheduled to open on 3 May 2019 and will close on 17 May 2019.

Reliance Industries was down 2.17% after consolidated net profit rose 9.79% to Rs 10362 crore on 18.60% rise in net sales to Rs 138659 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours on Thursday, 18 April 2019.

RIL's gross refining margin (GRM) came in at $8.2 per barrel in Q4 March 2019. The figure was $8.8 and $11 per barrel in Q3 December 2018 and Q4 March 2018, respectively.

Commenting on the results, Mukesh D. Ambani, chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries (RIL) said that during FY 2018-19, RIL achieved several milestones and made significant strides in building Reliance of the future. Reliance Retail crossed Rs 100,000 crore revenue milestone, Jio now serves over 300 million consumers and petrochemicals business delivered its highest ever earnings.

Meanwhile, RIL clarified on 20 April 2019, that press stories suggesting that Reliance is involved in an arrangement that leads to cash payment for oil supplies to PDVSA via third parties are false and reckless.

HDFC Bank was down 0.14% after net profit rose 22.63% to Rs 5,885.12 crore on 22.13% rise in total income to Rs 31,204.46 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced on Saturday, 20 April 2019.

The bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 11,224.16 crore as on 31 March 2019 as against Rs 10,902.86 crore as on 31 December 2018 and Rs 8,606.97 crore as on 31 March 2018. The bank's provisions and contingencies rose 22.59% to Rs 1,889.22 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018.

The ratio of gross NPAs to gross advances stood at 1.36% as on 31 March 2019 as against 1.38% as on 31 December 2018 and 1.30% as on 31 March 2018. The ratio of net NPAs to net advances stood at 0.39% as on 31 March 2019 as against 0.42% as on 31 December 2018 and 0.40% as on 31 March 2018..

HDFC Bank said that its board of directors has approved the issue of perpetual debt instruments (part of Additional Tier I capital), Tier II capital bonds and long term bonds (financing of infrastructure and affordable housing) up to a total amount of up to a total amount of Rs 50,000 crore in the period of next twelve months through private placement mode, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing annual general meeting of the bank and any other regulatory approvals as applicable.

Overseas, most Asian stocks were trading lower as crude oil pushed higher on a report over Iranian oil waivers while the Easter holiday weekend continued in many countries.

Major US exchanges were closed on Good Friday. The most-watched European markets were closed on Good Friday and will also remain closed on Easter Monday.

Weakness persisted on the bourses in early afternoon trade on sustained selling pressure in index pivotals. At 12:18 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 292.86 points or 0.75% at 38,847.42. The Nifty 50 index was down 99.75 points or 0.85% at 11,653.05. Telecom stocks fell. Rise in crude oil prices weighed on the sentiment.

Domestic stocks drifted lower in early trade as trading resumed after a long weekend. Stock markets were shut on Friday, 19 April 2019, on account of Good Friday. Key indices cut losses in morning trade after an initial slide triggered by rise in crude oil prices. Crude oil prices rose to the highest in almost six months as the US government reportedly said it won't renew waivers to allow buyers to buy Iranian crude. Stocks hovered in negative zone in mid-morning trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.87%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.79%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On the BSE, 702 shares rose and 1532 shares fell. A total of 146 shares were unchanged.

Telecom stocks fell. Vodafone Idea (down 0.58%), MTNL (down 2.24%), and Reliance Communications (down 5%) declined. Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) was unchanged at Rs 2.98.

Bharti Airtel fell 0.5%. Bharti Airtel announced on Friday, 19 April 2019, that its proposed rights issue is scheduled to open on 3 May 2019 and will close on 17 May 2019.

Shares of Bharti Infratel fell 1.77%. Bharti Infratel is a provider of tower and related infrastructure and is a unit of Bharti Airtel.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company fell 2.4%. The company's net profit of rose 7.49% to Rs 227.73 crore on 22.56% rise in total income to Rs 2633.53 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours on Thursday, 18 April 2019.

Gross Direct Premium Income (GDPI) of ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company increased to Rs 3485 crore in Q4 March 2019 compared to Rs 2926 crore in Q4 March 2018, registering a growth of 19.1% as against industry growth of 12.6%. Excluding crop segment, our GDPI growth for Q4 March 2019 was 29.4% over Q4 March 2018. Combined ratio improved to 98% in Q4 March 2019 from 99.5% in Q4 March 2018.

Overseas, most Asian stocks were trading lower as crude oil pushed higher on a report over Iranian oil waivers while the Easter holiday weekend continued in many countries.

Major US exchanges were closed on Good Friday. The most-watched European markets were closed on Good Friday and will also remain closed on Easter Monday.

Stocks hovered in negative zone in mid-morning trade. At 11:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 242.93 points or 0.62% at 38,897.35. The Nifty 50 index was down 87.35 points or 0.74% at 11,665.45. Realty stocks fell. Rise in crude oil prices weighed on the sentiment.

Domestic stocks drifted lower in early trade as trading resumed after a long weekend. Stock markets were shut on Friday, 19 April 2019, on account of Good Friday. Key indices cut losses in morning trade after an initial slide triggered by rise in crude oil prices.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.79%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.69%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On the BSE, 672 shares rose and 1440 shares fell. A total of 136 shares were unchanged.

HDFC Bank slipped 0.06% after net profit rose 22.63% to Rs 5,885.12 crore on 22.13% rise in total income to Rs 31,204.46 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced on Saturday, 20 April 2019.

The bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 11,224.16 crore as on 31 March 2019 as against Rs 10,902.86 crore as on 31 December 2018 and Rs 8,606.97 crore as on 31 March 2018. The bank's provisions and contingencies rose 22.59% to Rs 1,889.22 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018.

The ratio of gross NPAs to gross advances stood at 1.36% as on 31 March 2019 as against 1.38% as on 31 December 2018 and 1.30% as on 31 March 2018. The ratio of net NPAs to net advances stood at 0.39% as on 31 March 2019 as against 0.42% as on 31 December 2018 and 0.40% as on 31 March 2018..

HDFC Bank said that its board of directors has approved the issue of perpetual debt instruments (part of Additional Tier I capital), Tier II capital bonds and long term bonds (financing of infrastructure and affordable housing) up to a total amount of up to a total amount of Rs 50,000 crore in the period of next twelve months through private placement mode, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing annual general meeting of the bank and any other regulatory approvals as applicable.

Realty stocks fell. DLF (down 3.9%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (down 3.33%), D B Realty (down 3.5%), Sobha (down 1.98%), Godrej Properties (down 1.46%), Prestige Estates Projects (down 1.26%) and Oberoi Realty (down 2.77%) declined. Indiabulls Real Estate (up 0.63%) rose.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories shed 0.1%. Dr Reddy's Laboratories announced that US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) classified inspection at the company's formulations Srikakulam Plant (SEZ) Unit I in Andhra Pradesh as Voluntary Action Initiated (VAI). The result was announced on Friday, 19 April 2019. Earlier on 15 January 2019, Dr Reddys Laboratories' informed about completion of USFDA audit and issuance of a Form 483 with four observations at the company's formulations plant.

Overseas, most Asian stocks were trading lower as crude oil pushed higher on a report over Iranian oil waivers while the Easter holiday weekend continued in many countries. Crude oil prices rose to the highest in almost six months as the US government reportedly said it won't renew waivers to allow buyers to buy Iranian crude.

Major US exchanges were closed on Good Friday. The most-watched European markets were closed on Good Friday and will also remain closed on Easter Monday.

Key indices cut losses in morning trade after an initial slide triggered by rise in crude oil prices. At 10:16 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 249.09 points or 0.64% at 38,891.19. The Nifty 50 index was down 91.10 points or 0.78% at 11,661.70.

Domestic stocks drifted lower in early trade as trading resumed after a long weekend. Domestic stock markets were shut on Friday, 19 April 2019, on account of Good Friday.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 1.16%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.94%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On the BSE, 571 shares rose and 1288 shares fell. A total of 115 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, most Asian stocks were trading lower as crude oil pushed higher on a report over Iranian oil waivers while the Easter holiday weekend continued in many countries. Crude oil prices rose to the highest in almost six months as the US government reportedly said it won't renew waivers to allow buyers to buy Iranian crude.

Major US exchanges were closed on Good Friday. The most-watched European markets were closed on Good Friday and will also remain closed on Easter Monday.

Back home, Yes Bank (down 3.37%), Bharti Airtel (down 2.34%), IndusInd Bank (down 1.79%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (down 1.76%) and Axis Bank (down 1.58%) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

TCS (up 0.92%), HCL Technologies (up 0.69%) and Infosys (up 0.59%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

Reliance Industries fell 1.36% after consolidated net profit rose 9.79% to Rs 10362 crore on 18.60% rise in net sales to Rs 138659 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours on Thursday, 18 April 2019.

RIL's gross refining margin (GRM) came in at $8.2 per barrel in Q4 March 2019. The figure was $8.8 and $11 per barrel in Q3 December 2018 and Q4 March 2018, respectively.

Commenting on the results, Mukesh D. Ambani, chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries (RIL) said that during FY 2018-19, RIL achieved several milestones and made significant strides in building Reliance of the future. Reliance Retail crossed Rs 100,000 crore revenue milestone, Jio now serves over 300 million consumers and petrochemicals business delivered its highest ever earnings.

Meanwhile, RIL clarified on 20 April 2019, that press stories suggesting that Reliance is involved in an arrangement that leads to cash payment for oil supplies to PDVSA via third parties are false and reckless.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company fell 1.21%. Net profit of ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company rose 7.49% to Rs 227.73 crore on 20.96% rise in net sales to Rs 2197.47 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours on Thursday, 18 April 2019.

The Sensex and the Nifty bounced back in mid-afternoon trade. At 14:21 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was almost flat at 39,275.77. The Nifty 50 index was up 2.85 points or 0.02% at 11,790.

After opening higher, the key indices reversed trend in morning trade. Sentiment was fragile amid negative cues from other Asian shares. Some range bound trading was witnessed in mid-morning trade. Fresh bout of selling pressure emerged in early afternoon trade. Indices sharply pared losses in mid-afternoon trade.

Broader markets indices were still reeling under pressure. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.63%. The BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.74%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On BSE, 853 shares rose and 1590 shares fell. A total of 160 shares were unchanged.

RBL Bank was down 0.16%. The bank's net profit rose 38.77% to Rs 247.18 crore on 46.18% increase in total income to Rs 2,243.35 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced during trading hours today, 18 April 2019.

Telecom shares declined. Reliance Communications (down 4.76%), Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) (down 1.96%), Bharti Airtel (down 1.06%) and Vodafone Idea (down 0.56%), edged lower. MTNL was up 3.13%.

Auto shares were mixed. Tata Motors (up 3.34%), Hero MotoCorp (up 0.56%), TVS Motor Company (up 0.50%), Bajaj Auto (up 0.41%) and Maruti Suzuki India (up 0.22%), edged higher. Eicher Motors (down 0.52%), Ashok Leyland (down 0.88%) and Escorts (down 1.79%), edged lower.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) was down 0.76%. Mahindra Group and Ford Motor Company today, 18 April 2019, took the next step in strengthening their ongoing strategic alliance in India with a definitive agreement to co-develop a midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV). Under the new agreement, Mahindra and Ford will work together to introduce a benchmark product for India and emerging markets. The new agreement reinforces the steady progress made since the announcement of the strategic alliance between the two companies in September 2017, followed by an announcement on powertrain sharing and connected car solutions in October 2018. The new midsize sports utility vehicle (C-SUV) will have a common Mahindra product platform and powertrain, thus driving engineering and commercial efficiencies.

Overseas, European shares drifted lower in early trade on Thursday, as investors cautiously awaited manufacturing data to gauge the health of euro zone economies ahead of the Easter holiday. European markets will remain closed on Friday and Monday for the Easter holiday.

Asian shares slipped on Thursday. Chinese government data showed the country's economy grew 6.4% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2019, maintaining the pace seen in the last quarter of 2018 as factory output picked up steam.

US stocks closed lower Wednesday as the health-care sector slumped on concerns over potential adverse impact from future policy changes.

The US trade deficit fell 3.4% in February to the lowest level in eight months, the Commerce Department said. Meanwhile, wholesale inventories in the US rose a mild 0.2% in February and sales increased 0.3%.

Meanwhile, most of the US Federal Reserve's 12 district banks reported economic activity expanded at a slight-to-moderate pace in March and early April, according to the Federal Reserve's Beige Book report, released Wednesday.

Key indices hovered in negative zone in afternoon trade. At 13:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 99.81 points or 0.25% at 39,175.83. The Nifty 50 index was down 27.40 points or 0.23% at 11,759.75.

After opening higher, the key indices reversed trend in morning trade. Sentiment was fragile amid negative cues from other Asian shares. Some range bound trading was witnessed in mid-morning trade. Fresh bout of selling pressure emerged in early afternoon trade.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.83%. The BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.87%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On BSE, 781 shares rose and 1597 shares fell. A total of 162 shares were unchanged.

Vedanta (down 3.56%), Yes Bank (down 3.38%), Tata Steel (down 2.45%), IndusInd Bank (down 1.86%) and State Bank of India (down 1.74%), edged lower from the Sensex pack.

Tata Motors (up 3.06%), Hero MotoCorp (up 0.55%), Asian Paints (up 0.45%) and TCS (up 0.42%) edged higher from the Sensex pack.

Reliance Industries (RIL) was up 3.01% ahead of its Q4 results today, 18 April 2019. Meanwhile, Reliance Ethane Holding Pte. Ltd. (REHPL) (incorporated in Singapore, a wholly owned subsidiary of RIL, having 100% holding in six limited liability companies (LLCs) which own Very Large Ethane Carriers (“VLEC” or the “Vessel”)), Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) of Japan and a strategic minority investor have signed binding definitive agreements for a strategic investment by MOL and minority investor in the six special purpose limited liability companies (SPVs), each owning a VLEC. The announcement was made yesterday, 17 April 2019.

IT major Wipro rose 1.65% to Rs 285.75. The board of directors of Wipro has approved a proposal to buyback up to 32.30 crore shares of the company for an aggregate amount not exceeding Rs 10500 crore, being 5.35% of the total paid-up equity share capital, at a price of Rs 325 per share. Members of the promoter and promoter group of the company have indicated their intention to participate in the proposed buyback. The announcement was made after market hours on Tuesday, 16 April 2019.

Wipro's consolidated net profit fell 1.07% to Rs 2,483.50 crore on 1.45% rise in total income to Rs 15915.30 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q3 December 2018. The result was announced after market hours on Tuesday, 16 April 2019.

Abidali Z. Neemuchwala, CEO and Executive Director, Wipro, said the company has built a strong foundation for growth on the back of healthy order book and continued investments in big bet areas of Digital, Cyber security, Engineering services and Cloud.

In its outlook for Q1 June 2019, Wipro expects revenue from IT services business to be in the range of $2,046 million to $2,087 million. This translates to a sequential growth of -1% to 1% excluding the impact of the divestment of Workday and Cornerstone On Demand business which was concluded in Q4 March 2019. The outlook is based on the following exchange rates: GBP/USD at 1.32, Euro/USD at 1.14, AUD/USD at 0.71, USD/INR at 70.16 and USD/CAD at 1.33

On the political front, voting in the second phase of the 2019 general elections began today, 18 April 2019, with 95 constituencies across 11 states and one Union Territory going to polls.

The 2019 Indian general election, which is scheduled to be held in seven phases, kicked off on 11 April 2019. It will conclude on 19 May 2019. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.

Overseas, European shares drifted lower in early trade on Thursday, as investors cautiously awaited manufacturing data to gauge the health of euro zone economies ahead of the Easter holiday. European markets will remain closed on Friday and Monday for the Easter holiday.

Asian shares traded lower on Thursday. Chinese government data showed the country's economy grew 6.4% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2019, maintaining the pace seen in the last quarter of 2018 as factory output picked up steam.

US stocks closed lower Wednesday as the health-care sector slumped on concerns over potential adverse impact from future policy changes.

The US trade deficit fell 3.4% in February to the lowest level in eight months, the Commerce Department said. Meanwhile, wholesale inventories in the US rose a mild 0.2% in February and sales increased 0.3%.

Meanwhile, most of the US Federal Reserve's 12 district banks reported economic activity expanded at a slight-to-moderate pace in March and early April, according to the Federal Reserve's Beige Book report, released Wednesday.