The 30-share index Sensex ended positively for the third straight day after surging 18 points to settle at 18,130 on the back of strong global signals.

On the NSE, the broad-based Nifty grew by 7 points to close the day at 5,449.

The stock market belled the day on a higher not following strong Asian markets and the benchmark indices hit a 52-week high at 18,237 before settling nearly flat.

The Nifty touched the 5,477 mark. But, the indices closed near the day's low, indicating a lack of strength on Dalal Street.

Worldwide sentiments were positive prior to the stress test results that come out later today.

The European Commission carried out stress test on 91 European banking institutions, which account for around 65%of EU banking segment.

The objective was to test the overall resilience of banks.

On the BSE, 14 stocks advanced and 16 declined.

The Asian markets closed with gains. The Nikkei 225 in Japan rose 2.28 per cent to 9,430 and closed in the green for the first time in a week.

Amng sectoral indices, Teck index rose by 0.67%, accompanied by CG index, which surged 0.47%, CD index by 0.46%, FMCG by 0.38%, IT by 0.30% and Bankex by 0.27%.

The top gainers' list included Bharti Airtel, BHEL, ITC, Infosys, SBI, L&T and Hero Honda.

The leading stocks, which declined comprised JP Asso, ONGC, DLF, NTPC, Sterlite Inds and Jindal Steel. (With Inputs from Agencies)