Sensex declines 150 points to near one-month low

The BSE benchmark Sensex today fell 150 points to close at nearly one-month low of 19,610.48 on funds selling mainly in oil and gas sector and power stocks driven by a fall in manufacturing output and weak global trend.
However, rise in Infosys' shares minimised the losses.
The Sensex fell by 149.82 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 19,610.48, the level last seen on May 3. The index had lost 455 points in the previous session.
Similarly, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 46.65 points, or 0.78 per cent, to 5,939.30.
MCX-SX flagship index, SX40, also ended 97 points, or 0.83 per cent, lower at 11,634.91 points.

Brokers said trading sentiment dampened following reports manufacturing sector output fell in May, its first decline since March 2009, as order flow weakened and power outages affected the sector.

They said a down-trend in the Asian region and lower opening in Europe further influenced the market sentiment.
However, they said a steep rise in Infosys, as the IT major recalled its founder N R Narayana Murthy and returned control of the company, saved the market from a major fall.
Bucking the general weakening trend, Infosys rose by 4.42 per cent to Rs 2,513.95 and State Bank of India by 1.07 per cent to Rs 2,069.70.

In 30-BSE index components, 20 stocks declined led by Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, HDFC Ltd, Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto and Sun Pharma.
The oil and gas sector suffered the most by losing 1.34 per cent to 8,538.90 followed by power index by 0.99 per cent to 1,737.78. Auto sector index fell by 0.79 per cent to 11,078.42 as auto makers reported fall in May sales.