The BSE Sensex hit 56,000 for the first time on Wednesday, but it ended the day in the negative after a late sell-off as investors piled into banking, finance, and IT companies. The 30-share benchmark fell 162.78 points, or 0.29 percent, to 55,629.49, ending a four-session winning streak. During the session, it reached an all-time high of 56,118.57.