Sensex, Nifty end flat after hitting record highs

The BSE Sensex and Nifty ended flat on Tuesday after hitting record highs for a third consecutive session as gains in defensive stocks such as health care and technology were offset by profit-taking in the broader market. Investors took profits in recent outperformers such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, while recent underperformers such a Infosys saw some buying interest. Foreign investors, who have been supporting the rally, bought shares worth $90.83 million on Monday, in a sixth straight session of buys. FIIs have bought Indian shares worth $9.4 billion so far this year. The Sensex ended 0.01 per cent higher at 25,583.69, while the Nifty closed up 0.02 per cent at 7,656.40. Earlier in the session, the Sensex rose as much as 0.51 per cent to hit a record high of 25,711.11, surpassing the highest level of 25,644.77 hit on Monday. The Nifty rose 0.4 per cent to hit a fresh all-time high of 7,683.20, crossing the level of 7,673.70 touched on Monday.