After resuming higher on firm cues from Asian bourses, the benchmark Sensex was quoting near the overnight close in lacklustre trade Friday morning, once again showing stiff resistance in reaching the 10,000 level.
In quiet trade at the Bombay Stock Exchange, the 30-share barometer initially touched a high of 9,991.83 but came down to quote at 9,897.00 at 1015 hours, a fall of 6.46 points or 0.07 per cent over the previous close.
Yesterday, the Sensex had ended over 256 points higher over the close on Wednesday due to easing inflationary pressure amid expectations of rate cuts by the apex bank and the announcement of a second stimulus package by the government in a few days.
The broader 50-share Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was also quoted at 3,031.85 at 1015 hours from the last close of 3,033.45.
The absence of some major participants from abroad due to New Year celebrations affected the volume of trade, a broker said.
US as well as European markets were closed yesterday, as did Asian markets such as China, Japan and Taiwan today.
Realty counters saw good buying for the second day on reports that the government is targeting an investment of Rs 1,00,000 crore in the core sector within the next two years.
