Sensex ends up 149pts at 15,017

The Sensex opened with a positive gap of 98 points at 14,966. Profit-taking in intra-day deals saw the index pare gains and touch a low of 14,869 - just a point short of negative territory.

The index, however, however bounced back to higher levels on the back of steady buying in select heavyweights like Hindustan Unilever, HDFC, NTPC and Tata Steel. Auto stocks, too, posted smart gains today. The index rallied to a high of 15,045, and finally ended with a gain of 149 points at 15,017.