The recovery in US markets yesterday is helping markets across Asia today. The Japanese and South Korean indices have gained well over a per cent each.

The Sensex opened with gains at 10268 and saw a new lifetime intra-day high of 10302. The index is trading higher by 58 points at 10282 at 11.10 AM.

The Nifty opened at 3051 and saw a new lifetime high of 3072 in early trades. The index is trading higher by 17 points at 3068.

After correcting for a few sessions followed by some consolidation, HLL has made a strong come back today. The stock has gained more than 2.5 per cent and is the best performer among index stocks.

ITC is also trading firm and has gained over a per cent.

Steel stocks are finding some buying interest today. SAIL has gained over 2 per cent while Tata Steel has added over 1.5 per cent.

L&T is continuing its rally and is now trading with gains of nearly 2.5 per cent. Bajaj Auto, another big performer in recent days, has gained another per cent.

NTPC has added 3 per cent and is one of the biggest gainers among large caps. The company is due to price its bond issue, which received a good response, this week.

Tata Tea, Reliance Energy, Glaxo and Gujarat Ambuja Cements are the other gainers among index stocks.

HDFC Bank is the biggest loser among index stocks, trading nearly 1.5 per cent lower.

Pharma stocks Ranbaxy and Dr. Reddy's are weak in early trades. Ranabaxy has lost over a per cent while Dr. Reddy's is trading lower by over 0.5 per cent.

Grasim, Zee Tele, and OBC are among the large cap stocks trading lower today.

Mid-caps are trading with modest gains in early trades. Market breadth is once again moderately positive.

Multiplex operator, Inox Leisure got listed on the exchanges today. Issued at Rs120, the stock opened at Rs172 on the NSE and saw a high of Rs194.8. The stock is holding firm and is now trading at Rs188.

Rei Agro, GSFC and Madras Fertilisers are among the major gainers in mid-caps.

Winsome Yarn, Jagran Prakashan and Centurion Bank are among the mid-cap losers.