Sensex ends higher in choppy trade

The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 17.60 points to close at 5,108.15 points.

Brokers said every decline in the market was capped due to buying in fundamentally strong stocks in refinery,fast moving consumer goods,auto and banking sectors.

Asian markets closing with gains and firm opening in European stock markets also influenced trading sentiment to some extent,they added.

The trading sentiment turned volatile as investors reshuffled their holdings before the expiry in November month contract in futures and option segments tomorrow.

The heaviest on the Sensex,Reliance Industries,and tobacco major ITC saved the market from falling. RIL closed up 0.81 per cent,while ITC gained 1.93 per cent.

Among Asian markets,Hong Kong8217;s Hang Seng gained 0.84 per cent,Japan8217;s market rose by 0.79 per cent,while Singapore8217;s Straits Times Index moved up 0.46 per cent.

In the 30-BSE index stocks,17 gained and 13 ended in negative zone.