Equities close flat; new intra-day highs for Sensex, Nifty50

Key Indian equity indices on Thursday provisionally closed on a flat-to-negative note on the back of broadly negative global cues, coupled with heavy selling pressure in automobile, FMCG and oil and gas stocks.

According to market observers, an upsurge in healthcare stocks, with index heavyweights like Lupin, Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy's Lab in the lead, helped trim losses.

The broader Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange scaled a fresh intra-day high of 10,453 points and the barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE of 33,657.57 points.

On a closing basis (at 3.30 p.m.), the Nifty50 fell by 16.75 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 10,423.75 points.

The BSE Sensex provisionally closed at 33,573.22 points -- down 27.05 points or 0.08 per cent.

The BSE market breadth was bearish -- 1,420 declines and 1,337 advances.

On Wednesday, the benchmark indices closed at record highs as positive global cues, coupled with a strong rupee and robust buying activities in banking, metals and FMCG stocks, gave a boost to investor sentiments.

The Nifty50 closed at a fresh high of 10,440.50 points, while the BSE Sensex closed at a new high of 33,600.27 points.

--IANS

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