Sensex ends moderately higher in volatile trade

The BSE 30-share index Sensex on Wednesday endedhigher by 30 points after a volatile trade as investorsindulged in adjusting their portfolios on easing politicalconcerns and dropping crude oil prices.

The 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange closedwith a moderate gain of 30.30 points at 18,469.95. During theday, the barometer touched a high of 18,583.30 points and alow of 18,303.80 points.

In similar fashion, the broad-based National StockExchange index Nifty closed up by 10.20 points at 5,531points.

Putting to rest political worries, the DMK, an ally ofthe UPA government at the Centre, agreed to a seat sharingdeal with the Congress for the coming Tamil Nadu elections.

A better trend in the Asian region as cheer from a dropin crude oil prices also supported the market to some extent.

Crude oil prices fell from 29-month high in globalmarkets, eroding inflationary concerns and reducing fears ofanother interest rate hike.

The maximum support to the gauge came in from stocks inrealty, consumer durables, auto and power sectors, while weaktrend in healthcare and IT sectors on profit selling mainlycapped the gains.

Market leader Reliance Industries gaining nearly 1 percent also supported the market.

The realty sector index gained the most by rising 1.74per cent to 2,106.44 followed by consumer durable index by0.88 per cent to 5,791.41. The auto index rose by 0.72 percent to 8,854.54 and power index by 0.48 per cent to 2,597.79.

As investors indulged in adjusting their portfolios withlow value strong stocks, smallcap index rose by 0.82 per centto 8,009.65 and midcap index by 0.65 per cent to 6,604.72.