Refiners gain on fuel price hike buzz

The Sensitive Index ended little changed. Infosys Technologies Ltd. led software exporters lower on concern that business from their clients could slow after brokerages said a US recession could increase mortgage-related losses at financial companies.

"The business outlook for software exporters is still unclear," said Mahesh Patil, who helps manage $800 million in stocks at Birla Sun Life AMC.

IOC led refiners higher on reports the government will raise prices of gasoline and diesel, easing losses at the companies that are forced to sell fuel below market prices.

The BSE Sensex added 2.84 points or less than 0.1 percent, to 18,663.16. It earlier fell as much as 0.8 percent. The S&P/CNX Nifty Index on the National Stock Exchange added 20.40, or 0.4 percent to 5,483.90.