Financial sector stocks maintained their firm undertone on the BSE ahead of the close on Friday. At 3.15 p.m. Axis Bank was trading at Rs 1,193, up 3.13 per cent on its previous close of Rs 1,156.75.

Larsen & Toubro held gains of 2.02 per cent to trade at Rs 1,053 as against its overnight close of Rs 1,032.10.

FMCG stock ITC edged up to trade at Rs 317.50, up 1.83 per cent on its previous close of Rs 311.80.

Tata Steel clawed up to trade at Rs 373.65 as against its overnight close of Rs 367.30. This was a gain of 1.73 per cent.

ICICI Bank was firm but off its morning levels at Rs 1,025.35. This represented gains of 1.68 per cent on its overnight close of Rs 1,008.45.

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