Sensex ends at 11,973, up 79pts

The Sensex opened with a positive gap of 41 points at 11,937. After scaling to higher levels the index slipped to a low of 11,892 in late morning deals.

Buying soon re-emerged and the index bounced back to higher levels. Agressive buying in cement, pharma and technology stocks saw the index rally past the 12,000-mark to touch a high of 12,004 - up 112 points.

Some profit-taking at higher levels saw the index pare some gains and settle at 11,973, up 79 points.

The index today revisted the 12,000-mark after a gap of almost four months. Last time the index was above 12,000 was on May 18.