Sensex hits new 2008 low in early trades, down 543pts

The Sensex opened with a negative gap of 524 points at 10,285, and soon tankex to a fresh calendar year low of 10,151. The index is now down 543  points at 10,266.

Reliance Infrastructure, Sterlite and Jaiprakash Associates have slumped around 9% each to Rs 504, Rs 266 and Rs 66, respectively.

Grasim has tumbled over 8% to Rs 1,370. TCS and Reliance Communications have plunged 7.5% each to Rs 501 and Rs 218, respectively.

Reliance and Bharti Airtel have shed 7% each at Rs 1,413 and Rs 669, respectively.