Sensex gains 27 points at close

The Sensex closed 27 points higher at 5,397. The Nifty was up six points at 1,675.

Pharma stocks were the major gainers today. Dr.Reddy's has rallied 4.6% (Rs 33) to Rs 757. Ranbaxy surged 4.4% (Rs 45) to Rs 1,070. Cipla was up 1.5% (Rs 4) at Rs 265.

Satyam gained 2.5% (Rs 9) at Rs 378. Infosys advanced 1.4% (Rs 23) to close at Rs 1,675. However, Wipro erased all its gains and ended in negative zone with a loss of Rs 2 at Rs 589.

Reliance was up Rs 3 at Rs 491, and HLL gained a rupee at Rs 122. ITC was marginally down at Rs 1,101.

Maruti tumbled 3.5% (Rs 14) to Rs 379. While Tata Motors and Bajaj Auto were marginally weak at Rs 394 and Rs 918,

respectively. Hero Honda advacned 1.3% (Rs 6) to Rs 446.

HDFC marched 2% (Rs 12) to Rs 623. The stock is up over 11% (Rs 63) in the last six trading sessions. According to an release to the NSE, US based Capital Research and Management Company has acquired additional stake of 4.705% in the period May 2004 to Sept 08, 2004.

HPCL spurted over 3% (Rs 10) in the last hour of trading to close at Rs 322.

Zee slumped 4% (Rs 6) at Rs 144..