After a shaky start, the benchmark Sensex managed to withstand the selling onslaught of bear operators and closed firm. The 30-share BSE Sensex settled 95.32 points (0.74 per cent) higher at 12,979.66. The S&P CNX Nifty gained 37 points (0.98 per cent) to 3,798.10. “Volatility will continue with the markets dancing to F&O as well as global tunes.

The market is expected to trade range-bound for the next of couple of trading sessions. A global trigger may, however, instill some faith in investors,” said BSE dealer RA Poddar. The BSE IT Index gained 0.89 per cent. IT stocks gained on renewed buying, after being under pressure for the last few sessions. IT major TCS was the top gainer, up 3.58 per cent. Satyam Computer gained 1.62 per cent.