Markets give up gains; end flat: Bank up, metal down

02 April 2008

The markets ended on a disappointing note as they gave up most of their gains by the close of the session. Sensex slipped nearly 500 points from the day's high and Nifty was down 170 points.  PNB was down 10%, REL down 8%, SAIL and BHEL down 7%, DLF down 6% from the day's high.

Metal stocks were under some pressure followed by select power and FMCG stocks. Among the top gainers were stocks from the financial space followed by IT sector.

HDFC, Sun Pharma, Hero Honda and JP Associates were among the gainers on the indices.

Sensex closed up 123.78 points or 0.79% at 15,750.40, and the Nifty up 14.65 points or 0.31% at 4754.20.

About 1894 shares have advanced, 1108 shares declined, and 67 shares are unchanged.

The BSE Midcap Index ended flat at 6,400.37.