Sensex up 10 points on selective buying at lower levels

In choppy trading, the BSE Sensex ended almost flat today, up just about 10 points at 18,529 as cautious investors bought heavyweights at lower levels, amid continuing concerns over high interest rates.

The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange index, Sensex, which gained 308.23 points in the last session, rose 10.15 points to 18,528.96, after touching intra-day low of 18,367.21.

However, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty failed to hold gains and settled with a minor loss of 0.35 point to 5,551.10. It touched the day's high of 5,586.05 and a low of 5,502.40.

The barometer's two heaviest stocks -- with 23% weightage -- Reliance Industries and Infosys Technologies, saved the market from a fall.

RIL closed Rs2.95 up at Rs958.35 and Infosys by Rs16.80 to Rs2,903.70.

The FMCG sector index remained the best performer, adding 1.24% at 3,687.60 as Hindustan Unilever surged the most since October 2009 -- up Rs9.75 at Rs284.45 after its fourth-quarter profit beat market expectations.

Metals, teck, PSU and refinery sectors were other stocks that held the market.

Of the Sensex pack, 12 stocks ended with gains while 18 closed with losses as investors bought stocks selectively, at attractive low levels after a 3.2% fall last week.