Metal shares were firm but off their early highs in late trading on Wednesday. At 2.54 pm Hindalco Industries was ahead of the pack with gains of 3.60 per cent at Rs 89.10 against its overnight close at Rs 86.

Tata Steel also shed some early gains to quote at Rs 249.95, up 1.94 per cent on is overnight close at Rs 245.20.

Lupin perked up 1.91 per cent at Rs 2,061.90. The share had closed the previous session at Rs 2,023.3.

GAIL sailed up 1.57 per cent at Rs 320.10 against Rs 315.15 at close earlier.

Vedanta also shed some of its morning gains by late trading. It held gains of 1.16 per cent to trade at Rs 109 against Rs 107.75 at close yesterday.