ITC shares drive BSE FMCG up 2%

MUMBAI: FMCG shares climbed higher Friday backed by significant gains in ITC, Marico Industries and Godrej Consumer. The BSE FMCG Index was up over 2 per cent.

Shares of the diversified company ITC have been on an upmove, appreciating nearly 8 per cent in the past one week. "Shares like ITC and Marico are defensive plays. With the Sensex at 20,000 levels, such stocks tend to attract investor attention," said Anand Shah, FMCG analyst at Angel Broking.

At 12:30 pm, ITC shares rose 3.12 per cent to Rs 203.05, Marico gained 3.24 per cent to Rs 71.80 and Godrej Consumer added 2.51 per cent to Rs 144.40.