Losses in FMCG, auto, energy and select banking stocks eroded the gains with Sensex settling 70.99 points down at 40,938.72.
?In the last MPC meeting when we took a pause, I don't know why the market was surprised, said RBI Gov Shaktikanta Das.
After starting significantly higher, the Sensex pared gains to trade 15.33 points or 0.04 per cent up at 41,025.04.
Forex traders said the weakening of the US dollar vis-a-vis other currencies overseas also supported the rupee.
The country's reserve position with the International Monetary Fund also increased by USD 15 million to USD 3.644 billion, the data showed.
After hitting a high of 41,055.80 points, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 428 points, or 1.05 per cent, higher at 41,009.71.
Forex traders said the news that the US and China are very close to reaching a trade deal supported the local unit.
After rising 284 points in early session, the 30-share Sensex was trading 244.04 points or 0.60 per cent higher at 40,825.75.
After rallying over 300 points, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 169.14 points, or 0.42 per cent, higher at 40,581.71.
Forex traders said the domestic unit gained ground ahead of the release of key macro-economic numbers.