Opening bell: Markets flat in morning trade, ITC and NTPC see block deals

Markets are flat to positive in morning trade, and breadth is holding steady. Of the 450 stocks traded today, 228 were in the positive territory and 190 were negative. The Consumer Price Inflation report for August is due out today, but investors are likely to not give it too much weight in terms of current outlook, which is impacted by rising oil prices and a falling rupee. About 10 lakh shares of ITC, and 10 lakh shares of NTPC changed hands in block deals.

Riding High:

Largecap and midcap gainers today include Natco Pharma Ltd. (847.00 2.29%), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (190.80 2.17%) and Nestle India Ltd. (10210.00 1.85%).

Downers:

Largecap and midcap losers today include Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (847.15 -32.17%), Indiabulls Ventures Ltd. (700.00 -2.93%) and Biocon Ltd. (624.60 -2.70%).

BSE 500: highs, lows and moving averages

17 stocks hit their 52 week lows.

Stocks making new 52 weeks lows included - Balmer Lawrie & Company Ltd. (205.50 -0.24%) and Bharat Electronics Ltd. (88.05 -0.23%).

3 stocks climbed above their 200 day SMA including Natco Pharma Ltd. (847.00 2.29%) and SKF India Ltd. (1773.00 -0.15%). 4 stocks slipped below their 200 SMA including Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (847.15 -32.17%) and UPL Ltd. (687.05 -0.09%).