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.