Sensex Falls 374 Points, Nifty Down 141 Points as Markets Extend Losing Streak

Domestic Markets End Lower for Third Consecutive Session; Sensex Falls 374 Points

Benchmark domestic equity indices ended around half a per cent lower today, extending their losing streak to three consecutive sessions. The Sensex declined 374 points to close at 76,570, while the Nifty fell 141 points to settle at 23,914.

In the broader market, the Nifty Midcap 100 index slipped half a per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index declined 0.4 per cent. Elevated crude oil prices, rising global bond yields and future inflation concerns dented sentiment on Dalal Street.

Earlier, the markets opened with a gap down amid negative global cues. Both indices traded within a narrow range and remained under pressure throughout the day. However, they pared some of their losses after the closing auction session.

In the Sensex pack, 20 out of 30 companies logged losses. Among the top laggards, Asian Paints, HDFC Bank and Mahindra and Mahindra declined 1.6 per cent each. HCL Tech dropped one and a half per cent, while Bharat Electronics Limited lost 1.3 per cent.

In contrast, Adani Ports climbed 1.6 per cent, while Bajaj Finance, PowerGrid and NTPC gained one per cent each. Titan added 0.7 per cent.

In the sectoral indices on the BSE, 18 out of 28 sectors edged downward. Among the top underperformers, Auto declined 1.7 per cent, IT declined 1.2 per cent, while Insurance and Capital Goods dipped 1.1 per cent each.

In contrast, Utilities rose 1.4 per cent, while Housing Finance and Energy gained 0.7 per cent each. Power added half a per cent.

The overall market breadth at the BSE was negative, with shares of 2,560 companies declining, 1,799 advancing and 217 remaining unchanged.