In stock markets, the benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty

closed the session on a negative note taking cues from global weakness in the markets and sell-off in the largecap stocks on tepid third quarter earnings. All eyes are fixed on the two day G-20 meet which starts from today, said brokers. Meanwhile, the premium for the forward dollar ended steady to better on stray payments from banks and corporates. The benchmark six-month forward dollar premium payable in July ruled unchanged at 173-1/2-175-1/2 paise. Far-forward contracts maturing in January moved up to 337-339 paise from yesterday's closing level of 336-1/2- 338-1/2 paise. The RBI fixed the reference rate for the US dollar at 53.9885 and for euro at 72.0865. The rupee declined against the pound sterling to 83.97 from last close of 83.60,. It also slipped against the euro to end at 72.25 from 71.88. Rupee dropped against the Japanese Yen to 58.50 per 100 yen from previous close of 57.87.