The Sensex, which surged 1.2 per cent in the early stage, pared gains to end with a small increase of 25.07 points at 9,001.75. It closed above the 9,000 point level for the first time after February 19.

In a similar fashion, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty regained the 2,800 point level by gaining 12.45 points to end at 2,807.15.

Marketmen said worries about the economy and uncertainties on the upcoming general elections kept investors cautious, with the lowest inflation in over three decades having little impact.

Trading sentiment was mixed as some gains were backed by a rally across Asia and Wall Street after the US Federal Reserve decided to inject one trillion dollars to revive the economy.

Marketmen said every rise in the market was encashed by profit sellers and reversed the rally.