Markets open on firm note

Mumbai, Apr 18 (UNI) The BSE Sensex today opened higher by 110.83 points at 13,717.92 from its previous close of 13,607.04 points, tracking strong Asian markets.

Among the broader markets, the Nifty Index also opened with a gain of 5 points at 3,989.60 from its previous close of 3,984.95 points.

Share markets in Asia rose today after data eased fears over inflation in the United States, a key export market for the region.

At the premier Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the market-breadth was strong. Against 1,053 stocks rising, 449 declined. Just 41 scrips were unchanged. Gainers outpaced losers by a ratio of 2.34:1.

Tata Steel dropped 4.5 per cent to Rs 504.40. HCL Tech jumped 5.4 per cent to Rs 318.15.

Dish TV was hovering at Rs 103.80 on the BSE. The stock debuted at Rs 120, which was also its high so far.

TV Today jumped 7 per cent to Rs 150.50. Reliance Capital (RCL) is making an open offer to buy 20 per cent equity from existing shareholders in TV Today - the company that runs a clutch of TV channels including Aaj Tak, Headlines Today and Tez.

The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group company has offered to buy the shares at Rs 130.50, amounting to approximately Rs 150 crore, which is a 7 per cent discount compared to its yesterday's share price of Rs 140.20.

UNI