Sensex (BSE sensitive index) opened at 4617.76, marginally higher from the previous close of 4614.96 points, surpassed the 4700 mark and touched the day's high of 4730.29 registering an intra-day gain of 112 points. However, Sensex suffered a moderate setback towards the fag end of trading and closed at 4691.67, showing a net gain of 76.71 points as against the previous close. The BSE-100 Index gained by 36.54 points to 2278.97 from the previous level of 2242.43.

Brokers said the sentiment was boosted following the positive factors like the 20-per cent growth in export and passage of Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) bill in Lok Sabha. However, the news of the passage of the controvercial bill opening up the insurance sector to privateand foreign investors landed after the end of the session.

FIIs reportedly made purchases in Satyam Computer and Ranbaxy. Besides, Aptech, Zee Telefilm and Hindustan Lever also remained better on fresh support. Operators, who were keeping low profile despite continued FIIs activity with net purchases in the last a few days, enlarged their positions.

The volume of business was sharply low at Rs 2993.23 crore as compared to yesterday's turnover of Rs 4204.09 crore.