Equity indices dragged lower by global cues, healthcare stocks

Negative global cues on the back of geo-political tensions, coupled with heavy selling pressure in healthcare, automobile and banking stocks, pulled the key Indian equity indices lower on Wednesday.

The NSE Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) slipped by 70.50 points or 0.71 per cent to provisionally close at 9,908.05 points (at 3.30 p.m.).

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, too, slipped below the 32,000-level.

The Sensex, which opened at 31,926.14 points, closed at 31,797.84 points -- down 216.35 points, or 0.68 per cent from its previous close at 32,014.19 points.

It touched a high of 31,967.28 points and a low of 31,731.91 points during the intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth was skewed in favour of bears -- with 1,982 declines and 598 advances.

On Tuesday, the benchmark indices fell following a surprise regulatory directive by SEBI, along with broadly negative global cues.

The Nifty50 fell by 78.85 points or 0.78 per cent to close at 9,978.55 points, while the Sensex closed at 32,014.19 points -- down 259.48 points, or 0.80 per cent.

--IANS

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