Markets have dropped into red once again.

The Sensex is now at 17,724 - down 45 points from the day's high.

The Nifty is down eight points at 5,314.

The BSE FMCG index has helped the markets to recover.

The Sensex after opening in red had touched a low of 17,684. The index has recovered now and touched a high of 17,767.

The Sensex is now up 12 points at 17,757. The Nifty is flat at 5,322.

BSE FMCG index has gained 0.6% along with the healthcare index. The indices are at 2907 and 5329, respectively. However, the bankex is still in red.

Maruti Suzuki has extended losses and is now down 3.3% at Rs 1290.

Metal stocks are down. Sterlite has dropped 1.3% to Rs 832. Tata Steel has slipped marginallt to Rs 654.

ICICI Bank and SBI have shed 1% each to Rs 948 and Rs 2229, respectively. DLF and Jaipakash are the other losers in the index. Reliance has declined to Rs 1065.

Meanwhile, ONGC has gained 1.7% at Rs 1034. HDFC has added 1.3% to Rs 2865.

ITC and Sun Pharma have moved up 1% each.

The BSE market breadth is positive. Out of 2447 stocks traded, 1,416 have advanced while 957 have declined.