Sensex ends barely changed at 78k level

Mumbai: In volatile trades on Thursday, sensex opened about 600 points up on peace hopes in West Asia. However, the index gave up the gains by mid-session and closed 123 points (0.2%) down at 77,989 points on the back of profit taking at higher levels. Market players said any confirmation about the next round of peace talks could renew upward momentum for leading indices.According to Ankur Punj of Equirus Wealth, markets moved in a narrow range with a mixed bias intra-day before ending marginally lower due to selective selling pressure. “After the sharp rally in recent sessions, investors are taking a cautious approach ahead of the fresh peace talks between US and Iran.” Late on Thursday, Donald Trump said that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire,which lifted stocks in US markets. GIFT Nifty was up by a marginal 0.2%. Brent was at $98.5/barrel, up about 4% on the day. TNN