After initial gains, the BSE Sensex on Wednesday sank below the 18,000 level, after a gap of almost one year. It closed with a 340-point loss in step, while the rupee hit another historic low to end at 64.46 against the U.S. dollar.
With markets beginning to tumble after noon on Wednesday, the Sensex has now lost over 1461.13 points in four days.
The broader Nifty broke below the 5,300 levels after edging above the 5,500 levels in the opening trades.
ITC (ITC.NS) fell 4.6 percent, while Reliance Industries (RELI.NS) ended 5 percent lower.
The Sensex fell 1.9 percent, while the 50-share Nifty ended down 1.8 percent, after rising nearly 2 percent on RBI steps to ease cash and bond rules.
