Sensex ends 97 points lower on higher crude prices

A continuous rise in global crude oil prices, along with caution ahead of key micro-economic data to be released later in the day, dragged the Indian equity market into the red on Friday.

The benchmark Brent crude prices rose over 0.5 per cent to cross the $62 a-barrel-mark.

Stocks of IT, banking and finance sectors were heavily sold.

Realty sector stocks also ended 1.43 per cent lower after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said at Thursday's GST Council Meeting that owing to diverse opinions, a decision on the much-expected rate reduction for under-construction homes will be taken at a later meeting.

Index-wise, the Nifty50 declined by 33.55 points or 0.31 per cent to settle at 10,821.60.

The S&P BSE Sensex closed at 36,009.84, lower by 96.66 points or 0.27 per cent from the previous close of 36,106.50.

It had opened at 36,191.87 points and touched an intra-day high of 36,214.26 and a low of 35,840.60.

Key macro-economic figures like forex reserves, Industrial Production and manufacturing output are set to be released later in the day.

--IANS

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