In a volatile trade, the BSE benchmark Sensex on Thursday ended 43 points up at 18,489.76 as funds bought fundamentally strong stocks amid easing crude oil prices as well as food inflation, and firm global trends.

The Bombay Stock Exchange index Sensex tumbled to a low of 18,253.62 at early stage before ending higher by 43.26 points to 18,489.76 on alternate bouts of trading.

The gauge touched a high of 18,603.57 midway.

The trading sentiment was mixed, with investors booking profits after Sensex’s steepest gain in 21-month in the previous session.

At the same time, they picked up capital goods and auto sector stock available at lower levels, absorbing the selling pressure.

Similarly, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty gained 13.90 points at 5,536.20, after moving between 5,570.75 and 5,468.25 points.

Food inflation fell to 10.39 per cent for week ended 19th February from 11.49 per cent in the previous week, raising hopes that interest rates may not rise steeply in near future.