After opening at 17,152.31 in the early trades, the BSE benchmark index, Sensex continued to trade strong in the afternoon trades. Afterward the index shed the majority of its points in the after hours. Lastly, it regained strength amidst instability and touched a peak of 17,361.47, to close the day on a firm note. Selected stocks from banking, auto, pharma, metal, realty gained ground, whereas IT stock dangled.