Extending its losses for the fifth consecutive session, equity benchmark Sensex declined 143 points on Thursday. After plunging over 465.69 points during the day, the 30-share BSE barometer finally settled 143.30 points, or 0.36 per cent, lower at 39,745.66. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 45.20 points or 0.39 per cent to end at 11,633.30. ONGC was the top loser in the Sensex pack, followed by HCL Tech, SBI, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Hero MotoCorp and M&M.

In the previous session, the Sensex settled 82.03 points, or 0.20 per cent, lower at 40,281.20, and the Nifty declined 31.50 points or 0.27 per cent to end at 11,797.90. On the other hand, Sun Pharma, Titan, Asian Paints and Axis Bank led the gainers’ chart. Market opened in negative tracking its Asian peers as the rapid global spread of the coronavirus kept investors on the edge and made them seek safety in gold and bonds, said Narendra Solanki, Head Fundamental Research (Investment Services) - AVP Equity Research, Anand Rathi Shares & Stock Brokers.

India is at risk of getting severely impacted by the epidemic economically because of its high reliance on Chinese imports for various goods, he noted. Benchmarks also remained volatile on account of monthly expiry of derivatives contracts, he said, adding that sentiment remained sluggish amid reports that GDP growth is likely to stay flat at 4.5 per cent in October-December 2019. The government’s GDP estimate for the December quarter is scheduled to be released on Friday.

Further, relentless selling by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) spooked retail investors, traders said. According to provisional data available with stock exchanges, so far this week, FPIs have offloaded stocks worth Rs 6,812.57 crore on a net basis. Bourses in Seoul and Tokyo ended with significant losses, while Shanghai and Hong Kong closed with gains.

Stock exchanges in Europe plunged up to 1.80 per cent in their morning sessions. Brent crude oil futures fell 1.33 per cent to USD 52.11 per barrel.On the currency front, the Indian rupee appreciated marginally to 71.62 per US dollar (intra-day).

Bullion Market Closing: Gold rises Rs 78 on global cues, silver up by Rs 35

Gold prices on Thursday rose by Rs 78 to Rs 43,513 per 10 gram in the national capital on positive global trend as worries over spread of coronavirus raised yellow metal’s safe haven appeal, according to HDFC Securities. The precious metal had closed at Rs 43,435 per 10 gram in the previous trading session.

Silver prices also gained Rs 35 to Rs 48,130 per kg from Rs 48,095 per kg. “Spot gold for 24 karat in Delhi gained Rs 78 with recovery in international gold prices. Gold prices traded higher on coronavirus worries with increase of new cases,” HDFC Securities Senior Analyst (Commodities) Tapan Patel said. In the international market, both gold and silver were trading higher at USD 1,649 per ounce and USD 18.05 per ounce, respectively.

(With inputs from PTI)