Bangalore: The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today closed 63 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. Market @ 09.00 AM Stock markets opened on a promising note on the first trading day of 2012 with the BSE benchmark Sensex gaining over 69 points in early trade. The 30-share index rose by 69.12 points, or 0.45 per cent to trade higher at 15,524.04 points after the government decided to allow Qualified Foreign Investors to directly invest in the Indian equity market. The Sensex had lost over 507 points in the previous four sessions. The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 11.60 points, or 0.25 per cent to 4,635.90. Brokers said sentiments turned better after the government decided to allow Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) to directly invest in the Indian equity market in order to widen the class of investors, attract more foreign funds and reduce market volatility. Auto stocks gained on reports of higher sales in December. Tata Motors rose by 2.07 per cent to Rs 182.10, Maruti Suzuki by 0.54 per cent to Rs 925, while Mahindra & Mahindra by 1.08 per cent to Rs 690.45.