Just Dial

Shares in Just Dial were up more than 5 per cent on reports that HDFC Mutual Fund had picked a 4.6 per cent stake in the company. The shares were last seen trading at Rs 397, up 5.4 per cent over the previous days closing. Sequoia Capital India Growth Investment Holdings had reportedly sold a stake in the company. The shares have been languishing for the last many months after the company has been reporting below par quarterly numbers. 

ITC

Shares in ITC were down 2 per cent in trade today after Macquarie downgraded the tobacco to hotels major citing fall in cigarette volumes. "Channel checks suggest that ITC cigarette volume has declined significantly in July-August," the research house said. The share is an index heavyweight and has the capability to drag indices down. The shares of ITC were last trading at Rs 277 on the NSE. In fact, the shares have now fallen very sharply from highs of Rs 353.

Merck

Merck shares were up 4 per cent in trade at Rs 1,256 per share. Merck KGaA, Germany, the holding company announced that it is preparing for strategic options for its consumer health business globally including a potential full or partial sale of the business as well as strategic partnerships. Check stock quote of Merck

Apex Frozen

Apex Frozen Foods which was listed on Monday, was frozen at the upper end of the circuit filter for the third day in succession. This has left investors with no chance to buy the stock after listing. The shares were at the upper limit at Rs 233.80 with only buyers in the counter. The company's 152 crores IPO was subscribed around 6 times in the month of August.