Sensex ends up 442pts at 18,685

The Sensex opened with a huge positive gap of 253 points at 18,496. Buying in all index scrips saw the Sensex hit a high of 18,895 - up 652 points from the previous close.

Profit-taking in mid-noon deals saw the index pare gains and drop to a low of 18,439.

The index finally ended (provisional) with a gain of 442 points at 18,685.