Sensex (BSE sensitive index) started higher at 4326.77 and moved in a narrow range of 4350.40 and 4307.17 as a result of losses in key index scrips, before closing at 4332.70 with a net gain of 26.30 points against yesterday's close of 4306.40. The BSE-100 index also rose by 17.18 points to 1871.41 from the previous close of 1854.23.

Brokers said the market moved in a narrow range due to the last day of current settlement on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). They expect the upward march to continue thanks to the positive news on the economic front and a possible end to the border problem. Several index-based scrips like Hindustan Lever, ITC, SBI, Telco and Tisco suffered a moderate setback due to profit-bookingby financial institutions. FIIs were net buyers in Sterlite, Colgate, Larsen, BHEL and Telco while financial institutions picked up shares of pharmaceutical and software companies.

Of the 149 traded specified shares, 109 scored handsome gains while 38 registered losses and two remained steady. The total volume of business was very high at Rs 2103.41 crore as compared to yesterday's turnover of Rs 1797.22 crore.

Pentafour Software continued to be the most active scrip with a turnover of Rs 205.48 crore and the scrip advanced by Rs 11 to Rs 1220. Satyam Computer firmed up by Rs 22.50 to Rs 1297.50, Ranbaxy by Rs 10.60 to Rs 687.60 and Larsen by Rs 8.75 to Rs 319.25. However, Hindustan Lever dipped by Rs 33 to Rs 2417, ITC by Rs 6 to Rs 1099, SBI by Rs 2.25 to Rs 256.25, Telco by Rs 3.85 to Rs 217 and Tisco by Rs 3.85 to Rs 156.50.