Sensex ends up 78pts at 19,816

The Sensex opened with a bang above the 20,000-mark at 20,018 - up 280 points - on the back of positive cues from the overseas markets. The index soon touched a high of 20,064.

However, profit taking at higher levels saw the index pare gains. A fresh round of selling in late noon trades saw the index slip into red to a low of 19,717 - down 347 points from the day's high.

The Sensex, soon rebounded, finally (provisional) ended with a gain of 78 points at 19,816.