Sensex ends up 81pts at 14,218

The Sensex opened a tad higher at 14,142 - up five points - but soon slipped into the negative zone to a low of 14,052 on account of weakness in technology stocks following the rupee appreciation.

The rupee in morning trades gained further ground as the currency dropped below the 41-mark/$. However, steady buying in pharma, FMCG and banking stocks helped the index rebound into the positive zone.

The index rallied to a high of 14,238, and finally settled with a gain of 81 points at 14,218.