The BSE benchmark Sensex today ended flat after hitting an all-time high of 22,079.96 points intra- day in highly volatile trade in which banks, power, capital goods, consumer durables and realty stocks rose on capital inflows but refinery counters came under selling pressure.
Market leader RIL fell by 2.87 per cent after the Election Commission asked the Oil Ministry to defer a planned hike in gas prices that was to come into effect from April 1.
The 50-share Nifty of NSE inched up by 6.25 points to set a fresh all-time high of 6,589.75 points.
The Sensex resumed lower and dropped to 21,916.87 points on profit-booking in early trade. However, it recovered afterwards to hit all-time high of 22,079.96.
It finally settled the day at 22,055.21, a marginal loss of 0.27 points from its previous close.
The key index had yesterday jumped over 300 points to set lifetime high of 22,055.48.
"After hitting all-time highs in the previous session, benchmark indices were trading slightly in the red in early deals as investors booked some profit off the table.
"Some cautiousness also crept in after the Election Commission has sought deferment of the gas price hike till elections are over," said Jayant Manglik, President, Retail Distribution, Religare Securities.
Of 30 Sensex stocks, 15 closed lower, 14 firmed up and Cipla ruled steady.
Wipro lost 2.58 per cent, SSLT 1.55 per cent, M&M 1.17 per cent, Dr Reddy's Lab 1.01 per cent..
BHEL rose by 4.41 per cent, Hero Motocorp 3.06 per cent, HUL 1.73 per cent, L&T 1.47 per cent, Tata Power 1.24 per cent, HDFC 1.20 per cent, Coal India 1.14 per cent, NTPC 1.10 per cent were the biggest Sensex gainers.
"Positive action was witnessed in banks and capital goods. IT and pharma majors were weak for the day. Oil and gas was the dampener at start of session, but ONGC recovered as the day progressed," Shrikant Chouhan, Head, Technical Research, Kotak Securities.
