Sensex ends 204 points down

Our Bureau Updated - December 20, 2011 at 04:15 PM.

The Sensex closed down by 204 points after a volatile trading session. The BSE Sensex closed at 15,175.08, down 1.33 per cent from its previous close. The NSE Nifty was down 1.5 per cent at 4,544.20.

The US markets closed down on Monday. The European markets were in the green, up by about one per cent on Monday. Asian stocks were also up on Tuesday.

“Today the start was a bit promising as Nifty had a gap up opening in line with its Asian peers. Initial sentiments had improved on reports that US economy is expected to grow by 2-2.5 per cent next year. However, the gains were quickly pared as market drifted downwards amid choppy session. Capital goods stocks like BHEL and L&T and metal counters extended their losses and were the major losers during the morning session,” said Ms Shanu Goel, Senior Research Analyst, Bonanza Portfolio.

Among the Sensex stocks, Jaiprakash Associates, Jindal Steel and Bharti Airtel were the top three laggards.

Nymex Crude rose 1.5 per cent to $95.25 per barrel. Gold was also up 0.9 per cent to $1,487.43 per ounce.

Published on December 20, 2011 03:50