Interest was brisk and active for software stocks, which posted more gains over their previous closing rates. But select issues wound lower due to profit taking at higher rates. The turnover was fair and undertone steadier.

The CSE 40-share index moved between 2373.15 points and 2348.66 points but finished at 2368.56 points. Satyam Computers gained fair ground at Rs 919.10 while Pentafour Software was taken up at Rs 588.90 and Himachal Futuristic extended the uptrend to settle at Rs 254.80.

Tata Steel, Associated Cement Companies, Grasim, Hindalco, Hindustan Lever, Telco, Jai Prakash Industries and Larsen & Toubro were among other gainers of the day. But Bata eased to Rs 178.80 and Tata Tea To Rs 578.20. In the non-specified list, Chambal Fertiliser was well held at Rs 14.40. In Chennai, select counters recovered on revival of buying support.

In the absence of trading ofindex based scrips, the MSE index remained unchanged at 4487.40 points. Associated Cement Companies improved by Rs 2.40 to Rs 235. Tisco rose by Rs 5.60 to Rs 162, Shri MM Softek by Rs 5.05 to Rs 71.40 and Manjushree Planations by Rs 6 to Rs 161. Stocks like Advent Computer, Alacrity, Amrutanjan, Cybermate, Ram Informatic, SQL Star, Synergy Log-in finished better.