Sensex ends down 33pts at 17,773

The Sensex opened with a positive gap of 177 points at 17,983 on positive cues from the Asian markets. The index touched a high of 18,137 - up 331 points from the previous close - in morning deals.

Selling emerged in mid-noon deals, and a heavy bout of selling in late trades saw the index slip to a low of 17,771 - down 366 points from the day's high.

The Sensex finally ended (provisional) with a loss of 33  points at 17,773.

The Nifty was down (provisional) 17 points at 5,253 today.