Closing Bell: Sensex Drops 73 Points To End At 40,284, Nifty Also Down By 11

Market benchmark Sensex ended 72 points lower on Monday, tracking losses in HDFC Bank, RIL and TCS amid rising concerns over the economic slowdown. The 30-share index, which opened on a firm note, turned negative in afternoon session before ending 72.50 points, or 0.18 per cent, down at 40,284.19.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 10.95 points, or 0.09 per cent, to end at 11,884.50. Yes Bank was among the top losers in the Sensex pack, falling up to 4.08 per cent, followed by Bajaj Auto, M&M, Hero MotoCorp, HDFC Bank, ONGC and TCS which declined up to 2.05 per cent.

On the other hand, Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, Sun Pharma, PowerGrid, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, SBI, Vedanta and Tata Motors rose up to 4.60 per cent. Despite positive cues from global markets, sentiment in the domestic market was subdued on account of multiple reports suggesting that the pace of India’s economic growth may falter further, traders said.

On Friday, the Sensex ended 70.21 points, or 0.17 per cent, higher at 40,356.69. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty rose 23.35 points, or 0.20 per cent, to end at 11,895.45.

On the currency front, the rupee appreciated 17 paise (intra-day) against the US dollar to trade at 71.61 in early session. Brent futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.05 per cent to USD 63.33 per barrel.

Top gainers in the Sensex pack included Bharti Airtel, SBI, Tata Motors, Sun Pharma and L&T, rising up to 3.09 per cent. On the other hand, Yes Bank, M&M, ONGC, HDFC Bank, Asian Paints, HUL and Bajaj Auto fell up to 1.46 per cent.

Bourses in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai settled on a positive note amid optimism about US-China trade talks while those in Seoul ended in the red.

European equities were trading on a mixed note in their respective early deals. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee depreciated marginally to 71.79 against the US dollar intra-day. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.09 per cent to USD 63.36 per barrel. (With inputs from PTI)