Sensex gains 55 points at close

The Sensex closed 55 points higher at 5,582. The Nifty ended 17 points higher at 1,745.

Technology stocks posted smart gains today. Infosys zoomed over 3% (Rs 56) to Rs 1,696. Wipro rallied 2% (Rs 12) to Rs 596, and Satyam spurted a per cent (Rs 4) to Rs 378.

ITC advanced a per cent (Rs 11) to Rs 1,148. Reliance gained Rs 4 at Rs 519, and HLL was up a rupee at Rs 125.

Late

selling in banking stocks saw them close in the negative zone. SBI ended a per cent (Rs 6) lower at Rs 467. ICICI Bank declined Rs 2 to Rs 286, and HDFC Bank was down a rupee at Rs 403.

HPCL and ONGC shed Rs 3 each to Rs 316 and Rs 744, respectively.