Domestic stock markets ended the day on a lacklustre note with both benchmark indices closing in the red on Thursday .
The Sensex closed at 17,658, down 71 points or 0.4 per cent, while the Nifty ended at 5,363, down 18 points or 0.32 per cent.
Auto, oil and gas, capital goods, infra and pharma and healthcare sector stocks remained in the investor limelight, while FMCG, metals, banks, public sector enterprises and consumer durable stocks took a hit on the bourses.
FMCG sector was the worst hit and the sectoral index was down over 2 per cent on both the BSE and the NSE.
Alex Mathews, Head Research, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd, said: “PSU oil marketing company stocks were seen in the downside due to rise in crude oil prices while FMCG stocks fell on the back of weak monsoon. Metal stocks also slipped into negative as the metal prices declined on the London Metal Exchange on Wednesday. IT stocks were up on weak rupee.”
Volatility was up with the India VIX closing at 15.69, up 0.31 per cent from its previous close.
IDFC, Hero MotoCorp, Ranbaxy, M&M and Reliance were the top Nifty gainers, while ITC, Sterlite, Hindalco, Sesa Goa and SAIL were the top losers.