The benchmark Nifty recovered slightly in a range-bound trade following buying in key frontline shares lifting the index to end higher by 8.75 points to finish at 7,555.20 ahead Q4 earning results next week.
Opening lower, the key indices traded lacklustre and choppy between gains and losses in the absence of any definite triggers in the midst local holiday, while traders focused on approaching corporate results due next week and preferred caution.
Mild buying in key Energy, FMCG, Bank, Infra, Pharma counters helped the market to end with slight gains.
The broader midcap and smallcap company shares outperformed the key indices. While, IT and Auto segments witnessed profit-booking.
Elsewhere, Most Asian market ended lower after US equities sold off overnight amid renewed concerns over global growth and effectiveness of central bank policy. While European stocks bounced back as firmer oil prices boosted energy stocks.
The NSE 50-share index resumed lower at 7,542.35 and hovered between 7,569.35 and 7,526.70 before finishing at 7,555.20, showing a marginal gain of 8.75 points or 0.12 per cent.
Major gainers were NTPC (3.95 per cent), BHEL (2.98 per cent), Tata Power (2.97 per cent), TechM (2.56 per cent), Lupin (2.01 per cent), VEDL (1.92 per cent) and YesBank (1.66 per cent).
The losers were HeroMotco (1.76 per cent), TCS (1.57 per cent), Infy (1.33 per cent), Axis Bank (1.18 per cent) and Maruti (1.16 per cent).
A total of 954 shares gained, while 590 declined and 73 ruled steady.
Turnover in cash segment slumped to Rs 12,954.56 crore from Rs 15,019.43 crore yesterday.
A total of 7,418.98 lakh shares changed hands in 59,51,043 trades. The market capitalisation of NSE stood at Rs 92,01,115 crore.
