Markets continue to languish in red

Markets extended losses following a dampening inflation data. Sensex dropped to a low of 18,876 - down 210 points from the day's high.

The BSE benchmark was down 75 points at 18,969.

Nifty was down 19 points at 5,668.

Broader markets also dropped in line with the benchmark indices. Mid-cap index shed 38 points to 7,184. Small-cap index was down 26 points at 8,959.

The food price index rose 15.5% and the fuel price index climbed 10.8% in the year to January 15, government data showed.

In the prior week, annual food and fuel inflation stood at 15.5% and 11.5%.

Markets pared gains after a firm opening on the back of Asian cues. All sectoral indices were in the negative zone with Healthcare, realty and metal stocks leading the fall.

Asian markets reversed earlier trends and gained. Shanghai Composite jumped 1.4% to 2,747. Markets in Jakarta added 1.2% to 3,548. Nikkei was up nearly 1% at 10,479.

Infosys was the major dragger in the Sensex. The stock dropped 1.5% to Rs 3,204. Wipro dropped 2% to Rs 438. TCS was flat at 1,197.

Sterlite and Mahindra & Mahindra shed 3.5% each to Rs 173 and Rs 743, respectively.

DLF, Bharti Airtel, Cipla and Jindal Steel slipped 2% each.

BHEL, HUL, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Steel were among the other losers.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors gained 2% at Rs 1,188. Jaiprakash Associates added 1.% at Rs 92.

Bajaj Auto and SBI were also in green.

BSE market breadth was negative. Out of 2,722 stocks traded, 53% declined while 42% advanced.