MUMBAI: Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed slightly lower on Wednesday as heavy selling in IT, telecom, and realty stocks weighed on market sentiment amid concerns over a potential global economic slowdown.
The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 72.56 points or 0.10 per cent to close at 74029.76. During the session, it tumbled 504.16 points or 0.68 per cent to hit a low of 73598.16.
Similarly, the NSE Nifty slipped 27.40 points or 0.12 per cent to end at 22470.50. In intraday trade, it fell 168.35 points or 0.74 per cent to touch a low of 22329.55.
Among the Sensex losers were Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Nestle India, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies, Asian Paints, Axis Bank, Zomato, Hindustan Unilever, and Bharti Airtel.
On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, Tata Motors, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, ITC, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finserv, and UltraTech Cement advanced.
The BSE Smallcap index declined 0.48 per cent, while the Midcap index slipped 0.57 per cent.
Among the BSE sectoral indices, IT, Teck, Realty, Telecommunication, Metal, Capital Goods, Services, and Industrials were among the major laggards. In contrast, Energy, FMCG, Financial Services, Healthcare, Utilities, Auto, Bankex, Consumer Durables, Oil & Gas, and Power posted gains.
Asian markets
Asian markets ended mixed, with Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Hong Kong showing varied trends. European markets were trading higher in mid-session deals, while Wall Street closed lower on Tuesday.
Global benchmark Brent crude oil edged up 0.34 per cent to $69.80 a barrel.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs2823.76 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) purchased shares worth Rs2001.79 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.
On Tuesday, the BSE Sensex had settled lower by 12.85 points at 74102.32, while the broader NSE Nifty gained 37.60 points to close at 22497.90.
