The markets opened 12 points higher at 4,710, but remained volatile through the session on lacklustre trading.

The index touched a high of 4,748 and a low of 4,666 in the late noon deals, but finally settled with a small gain of ten points at 4,708. The Nifty, however, which touched a high of 1,501, ended three points lower at 1,482.

Reliance gained nearly 2% (Rs 7) to Rs 465. ITC edged higher towards the close, and added Rs 7 to Rs 870. HLL, however, slipped in early noon deals, and lost nearly 3% (Rs 5) to close at Rs 175.

HPCL remained subdued through the session, and declined 2% (Rs 7) to Rs 328. SBI, too, ended at lower levels at Rs 478 - down Rs 3. BHEL, however, after a shaky start, gained ground in afternoon trades to close 2% higher (Rs 8) at Rs 433.

Glaxo traded firm on buying support, and advanced 2% (Rs 11) to Rs 462. Cipla traded off-highs, and ended with a gain of a per cent (Rs 9) at Rs 1,157. Dr. Reddy's, however, had a weak outing on selling pressure, and finished with a loss of Rs 5 at Rs 1,131. Ranbaxy, after a mixed outing, ended down Rs 2 at Rs 958.

Infosys traded on a steady note to finish up a per cent (Rs 31) at Rs 4,475. While Satyam added Rs 3 to Rs 287, HCL Tech closed up a rupee at Rs 193.

Hindalco flared up 3% (Rs 34) to Rs 1,037 on strong buying support.

While Cement stocks had a mixed outing, auto pivotals displayed negative trends after early gains.