Gains in RIL, L&T, Infosys, HDFC and M&M shares helped the index log gains, while losses in ICICI Bank, Tata Motors and ITC capped further rise.
After losing 185 points in previous two sessions, the Sensex recovered by 114.65 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 20,534.91. In the 30-share barometer, 23 constituents rose while seven fell. Overall, 12 of 13 BSE sectoral indices rose.
Also, SX40 index of MCX Stock Exchange closed 65.24 points higher at 12,185.23.
Global stock indices closed in green tracking gains in US yesterday on analysts cheering data on jobless claims and consumer confidence.
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However, the strength in US dollar weighed on rupee that was last trading at 62.3 levels, slipping from Wednesday's close of 62.14 -- a three-week high.
Brokers said equity investors and foreign funds were seen covering their pending positions created in recent bear phase.
Sectorally in the cash segment today, the BSE Capital Goods sector index gained the most as it rose 1.92 per cent, followed by BSE Realty index (1.40 per cent), BSE Power index (1.37 per cent) and Metal index (0.95 per cent).
Oil&gas shares saw modest gains after crude oil consolidated at a six-month low after US crude stockpiles rose for a tenth straight week.