Sensex tumbles 151 points; Hero, ICICI lead losses

The 30-share Sensex, which opened lower, remained in the negative territory throughout and finally settled at 17,151.19, a fall of 150.72 points or 0.87 per cent, extending the losses for the second day in a row.

Brokers said higher fiscal deficit, rising inflation and lower industrial production data amid a sustained fall in the rupee to more than 4-month low made affected the market sentiment.

Sharmila Joshi, Head Equity, Fairwealth Securities said: " Indian markets opened in the red today. This was after the US markets had a negative closing yesterday as investor sentiment was hurt due to the weak economic data released by US and Eurozone. Rupee also opened down as worries about India