The BSE benchmark Sensex today closed nearly 19 points lower on profit-taking by funds in a 90-minute special trading session.
The 30-share Sensex settled at 15,848.80 points, down by 18.93 points from its previous closing.
Similarly, the 50-share National Stock Exchange index Nifty shed 7.20 points to close at 4,746.90.
The National Stock Exchange conducted the special session for upgrading its futures and options trading infrastructure to improve the processing capability and better handle increased activities.
To maintain uniformity in trading timetable, the BSE also conducted the special trading session.
The special session commenced at 11.15 a.m on a sluggish note and ended at 12.45 p.m. with a moderate loss.
The volume toppers on the BSE during the session were SBI, RIL, DLF, Jaiprakash Associates and Tata Motors. ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, RIL, ITC, HDFC, SBI and Bajaj Auto were among the top losers. L&T, Hindustan Unilever and Infosys were among the gainers. Among the sectoral indices, Auto, Oil and Gas, FMCG and Bankex were trading in the red. Of the 2,306 stocks traded, 1,570 advanced, 652 declined and 84 remained unchanged.