Closing Bell: Sensex Falls By 162 Points, Nifty Also End On Lower Side

Market benchmark Sensex tumbled 162 points on Friday as global investors turned risk-averse after the killing of a top Iranian general by the US fuelled fears of a geopolitical conflict. Brent crude futures surged 4.4 per cent to USD 69.16 per barrel as investors turned jittery on supply concerns.

The 30-share BSE index ended 162.03 points, or 0.39 per cent, lower at 41,464.61. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty closed 55.55 points, or 0.45 per cent, down at 12,226.65.

Asian Paints was the top loser in the Sensex pack, dropping 2.16 per cent, followed by Axis Bank, Bajaj Auto, SBI, NTPC and Bajaj Finance. On the other hand, Sun Pharma, TCS, HCL Tech, Infosys, Tech Mahindra and Bharti Airtel rose up to 2.08 per cent. According to traders, investors moved away from risky assets after top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US strike in Iraq.

On Thursday, the 30-share gauge ended 320.62 points, or 0.78 per cent, higher at 41,626.64. The NSE Nifty closed 99.70 points, or 0.82 per cent, up at 12,282.20 -- its new closing record.

On the other hand, the Shares on Wall Street ended on a high note. Bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul were trading in the red, while those in Tokyo remained closed for New Year holidays.

In the meantime, the rupee depreciated 17 paise to 71.56 against the US dollar in the morning session.

(With inputs from PTI)