The BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty ended the day down 162 points and 45 points, respectively on weak global cues and uncertainty in the domestic economy. The Sensex closed at 17,583, while the Nifty closed at 5,339.
During the day, investors keenly watched the ONGC share sale. The bid quantity for the share sale was 1.43 crore against the offer size of 42 crore as of 3:20 pm, according to the BSE. The auction ended at 3:30 pm.
The ONGC stock closed at Rs 291, down 0.61 per cent from the previous close.
Rising oil prices, forthcoming budget and the regional elections continue to be a cause for concern for marketmen.
“Sentiments remained cautious for yet another day after yesterday’s disappointing GDP data announcement. Nifty had soft to cautious start to the day as marketmen turned wary on disappointing domestic economy growth statistics and negative closing in American markets,” said Ms Shanu Goel, Senior Research Analyst, Bonanza Portfolio.
European stocks and commodities rose after the Government met its maximum target at an auction in the US, according to reports. The European markets were up 0.5 per cent each. The Asian markets were marginally down.
Top gainers on the BSE were Maruti, Hindalco and HDFC, while DLF, Mahindra and Mahindra and BHEL were the top losers.