The markets continue its good run with the Sensex at 18,569 up 347 points and the Nifty has gained 100 points and is at 5,580.However, the smallcap andd the midcap index are underperforming as compared to the benchmark index.

All the sectoral indices continue to be in the green. However, Heath Care and FMCG has pared some of its initial gains and is at the bottom of the chart. Metal index at 3.4% continues to lead the chart followed by Bankex at 2% and Realty at 1.9%.

Axis Bank, Allahabad Bank, Canara Bank, Uco Bank, Indian Bank and Karur Vysya Bank are among the banking stocks trading high on hopes of growth in credit off-take ahead of the festival season. ITC, Tata Global Beverages and Godrej Consumer Products in the FMCG pack firmed up on the back of a good monsoon season.

Robust auto sales numbers for the month of August 2010 has propelled most of the auto and auto ancillaries stocks with Bajaj Auto, Apollo Tyres, MRF, Ashok Leyland and Exide Industries trading at new highs.