After trading in a tight 110-point range, the Sensex closed 13.09 points higher at 19,255.09 -- snapping a two-session falling trend where it had lost 234 points.
According to market participants, the trading sentiment was dull on account of Christmas holiday tomorrow and expiry of derivative contracts on December 27. Traders stayed cautious, leading to narrow movements, they added.
Tata Motors, which gained around 2.4 per cent, led the 12 Sensex gainers. Infosys, TCS and Wipro rose on account of buying after the recent spate of correction.
"Investors remained cautious....As they took to profit-booking in some of the major stocks like RIL, ONGC, HDFC and Maruti which kept pressure on the upside.
"European and Asian indices were mixed and did not provide any concrete cues for domestic market," said Rakesh Goyal, Senior Vice President, Bonanza Portfolio Ltd.
Jindal Steel shares, which lost around 1.9 per cent, was the biggest loser among Sensex stocks today.
Overall, shares of realty, IT and healthcare moved up on good buying support while metal and refinery scrips eased on selling pressure.
The total market breadth was slightly better as 1,448 stocks closed with gains while 1,431 finished with losses.
The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty advanced by 8.05 points to close ar 5,855.75.
Globally, Asian markets ended narrowly mixed, while European stocks were also trading dull in afternoon trades. (MORE)
