The Sensex is trading around the same level. The index is now up 160 points at 17,543. The Nifty is up 52 points at 5,249.

Markets are trading near the day's high.

The Sensex surged to a high of 17,577 on positive cues from teh global markets. The index is trading strong at 17,550 - up 166 points (1%).

The Nifty is up 53 points at 5,251.

The BSE metal index has gained 1.5% to 17,792. The capital goods, PSU and healthcare indices are also in green.

Reliance Infrastructure gains 2.3% at Rs 1,014. Tata Steel has added 2% to Rs 639. Hindalco and DLF have advanced 1.7% each to Rs 173 and Rs 318, respectively. Sun Pharma is up 1.7% at Rs 1,695.

TCS, Grasim, ICICI Bank, Larsen & Toubro, Wipro and ACC have also moved up. Reliance Communications, Jaiprakash Associates, Bharti Airtel, HDFC and Sterlite are the other gainers among Sensex stocks this morning.

However, Hindustan Unilever is down 1% at Rs 224.

The BSE market breadth is positive. Out of 2,705 stocks traded, 60% have advanced while 37% have declined.