Markets ends lower: Auto, bank, cap goods, realty down

20 February 2008

It was a disappointing session for the markets as they closed with a sharp cut. Major selling pressure was seen in banking, capital goods, realty, metal, oil and power stocks. Midcap and small cap stocks also closed in deep red. The market breadth is very weak, 1:4. On the global indices front, Asia ended on a lower note. European markets are also trading in negative terrain.

Tata Motors, BHEL, Tata Steel, Nalco, Sun Pharma and HCL Tech were the losers while Satyam, TCS, Infosys, Tata Power and Sterlite Industries weregainers.

On the primary market front, Bang Overseas slipped at Rs 177.90 as against its issue price of Rs 207 while Shriram EPC slightly up at Rs 303.20 versus issue price of Rs 300.

OnMobile Global, JP Associates, Reliance and Reliance Capital were the most active shares on the bourses.

Sensex closed down 458.06 points or 2.53% at 17617.60, and the Nifty down 126.35 points or 2.39% at 5154.45.

About 911 shares have advanced, 2043 shares declined, and 72 shares are unchanged.