Sensex starts year on high, hits record 72,562 points

The sensex and Nifty scaled new all-time highs on Monday, but ended barely changed in volatile trades. The sensex touched a new record high of 72,562 points, and closed 32 points up at 72,272, while Nifty scaled a new life-high at 21,834 points and closed 11 points higher at 21,742. Software and energy stocks led the gainers in Monday's session, while banking and financial stocks witnessed selling pressure and limited the gains. Profit-taking at higher levels restricted early gains in the market, brokers said.