Benchmark domestic equity indices ended in negative territory today. The Sensex declined 539 points or 0.70 per cent to close at 76,934. The Nifty lost 117 points or 0.48 per cent to settle at 24,091. In the broader market at the National Stock Exchange, the Midcap 100 index and the Smallcap 100 index dipped 0.1 per cent each.
Earlier, the markets opened on a positive note, supported by easing crude oil prices and hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and Oman. However, both the indices soon gave up their early gains and slipped into negative territory. The indices remained largely range-bound through most of the session as selling pressure persisted due to Sensex monthly futures and options expiry. In the subsequent Closing Auction Session the indices extended their losses.
In the Sensex pack, 24 out of 30 companies logged losses. Among the top underperformers, HDFC Bank slipped 2.1 per cent, NTPC declined two per cent and Mahindra and Mahindra lost 1.8 per cent. In contrast, Kotak Mahindra Bank advanced 1.7 per cent, ICICI Bank gained 0.9 per cent and Tech Mahindra added 0.8 per cent.
In the sectoral indices on the BSE, 20 out of 28 sectors edged downward. Among the top laggards, Midsmall Private Banks shed 2.6 per cent, PSU Bank lost 2.1 per cent and Bankex dropped 1.7 per cent. In contrast, Capital Goods gained 0.6 per cent, Telecommunication added half a per cent and Healthcare rose 0.4 per cent.
The overall market breadth at the BSE was negative, as shares of 2 thousand 557 companies declined, 1 thousand 779 advanced and 190 remained unchanged.
