Equity mkts wary ahead of IIP, inflation data; Nifty ends flat

Equities turned weak after a four -session rally in the face of global sluggishness amid profit- taking ahead of crucial macroeconomic data as the benchmark CNX Nifty ended almost flat on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) today.
The 50-share index fluctuated widely between a high of 5,971.20 and a low of 5,930.35 before ending at 5,942.35, down 3.35 points, or 0.06 per cent, from the last close.
Financial markets across the globe saw a spectacular relief rally last week, driven by a string of data painting a brighter picture of the US economy with the Dow Jones setting a new historic high.

The Nifty spurted nearly 4 per cent to top fresh one- month high last week on the back of improved global sentiments amid expectations of rate cuts by RBI in its mid-term policy review meeting on March 19.
After a positive start, the key index mostly traded in a tight range while struggling to remain in positive territory as investors turned cautious ahead of tomorrow's industrial output data and inflation numbers later in the week.
Tail-end buying helped the market to regain some lost ground with buying seen in healthcare, FMCG and infra-related stocks, but heavy profit-taking in technology, finance, auto, metal and energy scrips led the market to end in the red.

A positive sentiment exists among retail investors after the Budget and today's positive data on exports also supported the market to some extent, traders said.

Asian stocks ended on a mixed note.
HeroMoto Corp, Bajaj Auto, IDFC, Wipro, TCS, Reliance Infra, BPCL, RIL, Kotak Bank and Jindal Steel were among top Nifty losers. Key gainers included Siemens, DLF, Tata Power, Asian Paints, HDFC, Sun Pharma, M&M, HCL, L&T and Ranbaxy.
Turnover in the cash segment dropped to Rs 10,115.40 crore from Rs 11,416.08 crore last Friday. A total of 5,523.27 lakh shares changed hands in 59,21,419 trades. Total market capitalisation stood at Rs 65,93,138 crore.