Sensex ends at 11,970, down 101pts

The Sensex opened with a positive gap of 32 points at 12,103. After seeing off the initial volatility the index made a steady progress to the day's high of 12,153.

However, late selling in the market saw the index erase gains and slip into the negative zone. The selling pressure was so intense that the index plunged to a low of 11,915 - down 238 points from the day's high in a matter of just 30-40 minutes.

The Sensex finally settled with a loss of 101 points at 11,970.