Markets languish; auto index slump

Markets continue to trade in red as the auto index slump. The Sensex is now down 38 points at 18,093. Nifty is down 13 points at 5,436.

BSE auto index is now down 2% followed by realty and capital goods.

Maruti Suzuki has crashed 11% to Rs 1,215.

Hero Honda has tumbled 5.3% to Rs 1,853. Jaiprakash Associates has pared losses and is now down 4.2% at Rs 123.

SBI and DLF have dropped 1% each to Rs 2,453 and Rs 318, respectively. Larsen & Toubro has slipped 1% in trades.

Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel has gained 2% at Rs 320. ACC and ICICI Bank have aded nearly 1% each to Rs 826 and Rs 919, respectively.

BSE market breadth continues to be neutral. Out of 2,708 stocks traded, 1,314 have declined while 1,304 have advanced.