Sensex extends 3-day rally, edges up 23 pts

The BSE benchmark index, which had gained 86 points in last two trading sessions, traded in a narrow 115-point range and closed at 16,990.76, up 23 points or 0.14 per cent.

In 30-share Sensex, 15 counters including Tata Steel, Hero MotoCorp, NTPC, ITC, Coal India, Tata Power and TCS gained in the 1-1.8 per cent range.

After Singh yesterday called for reversing the mood of pessimism, top bureaucrats today took stock of the economic situation with secretaries of various ministries to firm steps for arresting the slowdown in growth.

For the second day in a row, Sensex scaled the 17,000-mark but could not close above the level at closing as investors were seen selling to cover up their pending positions on expiry of June's derivative contracts.

The 50-share NSE index Nifty moved between 5,159.05 and 5,125.30 before ending 7.25 points higher at 5,149.15.

"Sentiments improved domestically on reports of PM taking over the Finance portfolio and meeting senior officials to plan out country's economic revival steps. But, volatility associated with F&O expiry day was very much into play," said Shanu Goel, Senior Research Analyst, Bonanza Portfolio.

Dealers also said a weak global trend capped local shares' gains with European indices trading lower while Asian indices closed mixed as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of a two-day EU leaders summit.

Meanwhile, the rupee was trading below the 57-level today against the dollar after closing at 57.15 -- the all-time closing figure recorded on June 22. The currency has so far lost 7 per cent in 2012.