The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today fell by over 101 points to 18,394.29 on emergence of across-the-board selling in blue-chips led by Reliance Industries (RIL) as investors booked profit amid a weakening global trend.

The Bombay Stock Exchange index, Sensex, which had gained 120 points in the last two sessions, fell by 101.33 points to 18,394.29 after moving in a range of 18,505.10 and 18,365.94 points during intra-day trading.

The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty closed 29.30 points down at 5,526.85 in a sluggish trade. It had moved between 5,556.60 and 5,514.90 during the session.

Trading sentiment turned bearish after a fall in the Asian stock markets and a lower opening in Europe. Global indices fell to their lowest in two weeks after the Federal Reserve Chairman, Mr Ben Bernanke, said the economic recovery in the US was “frustratingly slow’’.

RIL, the top ranking stock on the Sensex, fell by Rs 8.85 to Rs 947.35 on reports that it may not be able to boost the gas output.

IT bellwether Infosys Technologies lost Rs 20.55 to Rs 2,872.20 on fears that a slow recovery in global economy would trim demand. Over 50 per cent of the software revenue comes from the US and the European markets.

Auto major Hero Honda suffered a loss of Rs 66 to Rs 1,768.25 a piece, while Maruti Suzuki fell by Rs 14.65 to Rs 1,226.05 on worries that the strike at its Manesar plant can hamper the company output.

Among lenders, State Bank of India fell by Rs 23.35 to Rs 2,293.25, ICICI Bank by Rs 6.45 to Rs 1,049.35 and HDFC Bank by Rs 24.60 to Rs 2,355.20.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW