The Sensex opened 46 points higher at 8,473, backed by positive cues from other Asian markets. The index, however, could not hold gains for long, as it slipped into red to a low of 8,373 - down 100 points from the day's open.
However, fresh buying at lower levels mainly in metal stocks helped the index recoup losses and rebound into the positive zone. Selective buying in cement and realty stocks helped the index advance to a high of 8,501 - up 128 points from the day's low. But, weakness in banking stocks continued to weigh on the index.
The Sensex finally ended with a gain of 31 points at 8,459.