Indian benchmark indices ended marginally higher in yet another volatile session and extended the positive momentum for the fifth consecutive session on October 21 amid buying seen in the financials. At Close, the Sensex was up 104.25 points or 0.18% at 59,307.15, and the Nifty was up 12.30 points or 0.07% at 17,576.30.
In the Samvat 2078, BSE Sensex fell over 1 percent, while Nifty 50 shed nearly 2 percent. The domestic market started on a negative note amid weak global cues and stayed in negative territory for the most part of the session. However, last-hour buying helped the indices to close near the day's high level.
"Selling emerged in the second half led by a weak start to the European market due to the fear of tight monetary policy. Domestic investors maintained their caution and began to book profits in anticipation of the truncated week," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.