The Sensex bounced back from its early lows in the mid-afternoon trades on sustained buying support in heavyweights, PSUs and select tech stocks, and finally finished firm with a gain of 25 points at 3,764. The Nifty also ended seven points higher at 1,176.

HLL attracted buying support in the afternoon trades, and gained 2% (Rs 3) to Rs 170. Reliance, too, closed firm with a gain of a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 348. ITC, however, ended in negative zone on profit-booking with a loss of a per cent (Rs 6) at Rs 736.

SBI and BHEL moved up a per cent each at Rs 430 (up Rs 5) and Rs 276 (up Rs 2) after trading in negative zone for better part of the trading session. MTNL traded in a narrow range in positive zone for better part of the trading session, and moved up 2% (Rs 3) to Rs 115. HPCL, however, ended on a lower note with a loss of Rs 3 at Rs 324.

Infosys drifted into positive zone in the afternoon trades on strong buying support, and advanced 2% (Rs 62) to Rs 3,591. Over 2 lakh shares were traded on BSE with a turnover of Rs 86 crore. Satyam, which notched up nearly 6% gains yesterday, faltered on profit-booking and ended with a loss 3% (Rs 6) at Rs 198. HCL Tech, too, closed down a per cent at Rs 167.

While cement stocks garnered good gains, pharma and auto stocks, too, had a decent outing.