Sensex ends up 18pts at 17,309

The Sensex opened with a positive gap of 66 points at 17,357. After advancing to higher levels the index slipped into red to a low of 17,145 - down 146 points from the previous close.

However, agressive buying in PSU and cement stocks helped the index rebound into the positive zone. The buying momentum was so strong that the index rallied to a fresh all-time intra-day high of 17,425 - up 280 points from the day's low.

Some profit taking towards the end, saw the index pare gains and finally settle (provisional) with a gain of 18 points at 17,309.