The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex on Monday closed 63pts up in the first session of 2012 on value buying at lower levels in thin trade as major global markets remained close.

Sensex, which had lost over 515 points in the previous four sessions, settled with a moderate rise of 63 points or 0.41 per cent at 15,517.92, as heavyweights Reliance Industries and Infosys closed with gains.

While RIL was up 2.03 per cent, Infosys gained 1.44 per cent. The two carry about 20 per cent weight in the Index.

Sensex moved between a gain of 96.90 points and a loss of 87.03 points during the session.

The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty, after moving between 4,645.95 and 4,588.05, settled with a small gain of 12.45 points, or 0.27 per cent at 4,636.75.

Brokers said investors were not enthused with the government decision to allow qualified foreign investor's (QFI's) direct entry in the Indian equity markets.

They added, however, that the investor were directionless as most of the major global stock markets remained close for Christmas and New Year holidays.

European stock markets were steady in the opening trade, with FTSE closed. Most key markets in Asia remained close.

Of the 30 scrips in the BSE Sensex, 19 gained and 11 declined.

Among the sectoral indices - consumer durables, oil and gas, IT, metals and capital goods were up, while FMCG, auto, power, realty and healthcare remained in the negative zone.