The Sensex had scaled the 20k peak in the early part of the session, in a mirror image of the previous session, thanks to an encouraging set of cues from the Asian front.

And it was merely consolidation time for the BSE benchmark from thereon, culminating in a comfortable close above the psychological mark in what was a welcome departure from the trading pattern of the previous session.

The Nifty did face stiff resistance around the 6000 levels, but managed to close just above the mark.

We have closed above the 20k mark for the first time since November 15.