The markets have gained further ground are trading near the day''s high. Energy stocks continue to hog the limelight and are among the top gainers. The breadth is also positive as the midcap and smallcap indices have outperformed the benchmark indices. Oil & gas sstocks like ONGC, GAIL are up and power stocks like NTPC, Tata Power have surged. Pharma stocks are also trading smart on the bourses.

IT stocks are under pressure due to ongoing appreciation in the rupee. Banking stocks are down on the speculation that RBI may hike CRR in near future. Select metal stocks are also down.

At 15.10 hrs IST, the Sensex is up 84.28 points or 0.49% at 17375.38, and the Nifty up 50.65 points or 1.01% at 5072.00.

About 1856 shares have advanced, 1115 shares declined, and 62 shares are unchanged.

NTPC, ONGC, Reliance Communication, Tata Power and GAIL were among the major gainers on the indices.

SBI, BHEL, HCL Tech and ITC were among the top losers on the indices.