Sensex up 72 pts in volatile trade; RIL led the rally

Mumbai, Feb 15 (PTI) The BSE benchmark Sensex ended 72points up today at 18,273.80 on smart rally in heavyweightslike Reliance Industries, which helped it overcome initialhesitancy and end with gains for the third session in a row.

In a volatile session, the Bombay Stock Exchange 30-sharebellwether index opened on a positive note but fell back to alow of 18,050.48, down nearly 152 points.

However, buying in select blue-chips helped it bounceback to a high of 18,361.66 before closing at 18,273.80, arise of 71.60 points or 0.39 per cent.

In three days of smart pull-back, the Sensex has gained810.76 points or 4.64 per cent.

The NSE 50-issue Nifty also improved further by 25.00points or 0.46 per cent to end at 5,481.00. It touched theday''s high of 5,506.50.

Top heavyweight, petro-chem giant RIL, rose 2.90 per centand was the major contributer to the Sensex gain.

Besides, ICICI Bank, Tata Motors, SBI, HDFC, ONGC, TataPower and Bajaj Auto aided the sentiment. However, fall inL&T, TCS, BHEL, Hindalco and M&M restricted the gains.

Fresh capital inflows assisted the outlook. After pullingout Rs 2,095.40 crore last week, FIIs pumped in Rs 228.40crore on Monday as per market regulator Sebi''s data.

Refinery and bank counters attracted good buying supportwhile capital goods and realty stocks were at the receivingend on profit-booking after recent gains. .