Despite inching close to the Rs 10,000-figure, the Bangalore-based software major has given returns of only 669 per cent y-o-y. During the same period, more than seven software companies have given returns of more than 1000 per cent. Led by little-known Hinditron Informatics, which has zoomed from Rs 7 to over Rs 200 in a span of less than one year, returns from this one leg of the `troika' has been astonishing.

In fact, barring some turnarounds, the infotech sector has been the mainstay of the bourses. Among the much-fancied troika of FMCG, pharma and infotech, the latter has raked in most of the mega bucks. The star performers of 1999 are Mastek, Citicorp, KLG Systel and Infotech Enterprises. The astonishing returns from companies that do not form part of the troika, like Agro Dutch Foods and HikalChemical, is primarily on account of the excellent results posted by them.

Apart from IT, two more sectors that have given very good returns to investors over the past one year is the tele-communications and television software industry, both of which have been witnessing high growth. Himachal Futuristics, Zee Telefims, Sri Adhikari Brothers, Crest Communications, Global Tele-Systems, etc. are the new stars.

Between the fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) and pharmaceutical industry, the latter has given better returns with companies like Torrent Pharma and Morepen Laboratories figuring in the top 50.