Sensex ends up 114pts at 8,978

The Sensex opened 92 points higher at 8,956 backed by positive global cues. Aggressive buying in realty and metal stocks led the index rally to a high of 9,120 - up 256 points from the previous close.

However profit-taking at higher levels, mainly banking and oil & gas coupled with weakness in FMCG stocks saw the index pare gains in the last session. The Sensex touched the day's low of 8,951, and finally (provisional) ended with a gain of 114 points at 8,978.