Equity indices close on subdued note on F&O expiry day

Key Indian equity indices closed on a subdued note on Thursday, with the BSE sensex falling over 400 points and the NSE Nifty dropping almost 130 points.

According to market observers, investors traded with caution on futures and options (F&O) expiry day, as well as ahead of the second quarter GDP data announcement later in the day.

Heavy selling pressure in banking, auto and metal stocks coupled with negative Asian markets added to the downward slide.

The wider Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) fell by 134.75 points or 1.30 per cent to provisionally close (at 3.30 p.m.) at 10,226.55 points.

The barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 33,542.50 points, closed at 33,149.35 points -- down 453.41 points or 1.35 per cent -- from Wednesday's close.

The Sensex touched a high of 33,576.20 points and a low of 33,108.72 during intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth was bearish -- 1,420 declines and 1,134 advances.

On Wednesday, the indices closed on a flat note with minimal losses. The NSE Nifty50 closed 8.95 points or 0.09 per cent lower at 10,361.30 points, while the BSE Sensex closed at 33,602.76 points -- down 15.83 points or 0.05 per cent.

--IANS

ppg/rn