The Sensex added 20 points to 6,017, and the Nifty finished at 1,890 - up 11 points.

Infosys rallied 1.2% (Rs 24) to Rs 2,073. Wipro gained a per cent (Rs 7) at Rs 714. Satyam, however, dropped Rs 2 to Rs 411.

ITC declined over a per cent (Rs 12) to Rs 1,136. HLL and Reliance were down a rupee each to Rs 135 and Rs 544, respectively.

HPCL soared 2% (Rs 7) to Rs 361, and ONGC was up Rs 3 at Rs 799.

Banking stocks hogged the limelight on Wednesday. ICICI Bank rallied 4.8% (Rs 15) to Rs 335 following the banks move to hike lending rates. SBI surged 1.7% (Rs 9) to Rs 513. However, HDFC Bank dropped Rs 2 to Rs 482.

PSU banking scrips witnessed heavy buying following the news that the government may sell its existing stake in nationalised banks. UCO Bank and Union Bank leaded the pack. While the former skyrocketed 16% to Rs 22.70, the latter zoomed 12% to Rs 92. Andhra Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Corporation Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, J&K Bank, Oriental Bank and Punjab National Bank rallied 2-6% each.

HDFC declined Rs 5 to Rs 685.

Larsen & Toubro shed 1.3% (Rs 11) to Rs 846. Bhel was down Rs 4 at Rs 612.

Dr.Reddy's added 1.2% (Rs 9) to Rs 786. Cipla and Ranbaxy slipped 2.3% each to Rs 272 and Rs 1,049, respectively.

Hero Honda zoomed 3% (Rs 13) to Rs 454. Tata Motors rallied 1.3% (Rs 6) to Rs 446. Bajaj Auto and Maruti finished almost flat at Rs 1,020 and Rs 388, respectively.

Grasim dropped a per cent (Rs 12) to Rs 1,115. ACC was up a rupee at Rs 268, and Gujarat Ambuja closed flat at Rs 355.Zee gained 2% (Rs 3) at Rs 155. Bharti Tele was down a rupee at Rs 161.