Sensex ends down 81pts at 8,874

The Sensex opened a tad (11 points) lower at 8,944, and soon extended losses on the back of selling pressure in early trades. The index dropped to a low of 8,729 - down 226 points from the previous close.

Renewed buying interest in banking stocks helped the index recoup losses in the second half of the trading day. The Sensex finally (provisional) ended with a loss of 81 points at 8,874.