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| Edited By: |Source: PTI |Updated: Mar 18, 2018, 05:01 AM IST
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) benchmark Sensex today fell 274 points as investors reduced holdings ahead of the outcome of state elections amid continuing profit booking and a weak global trend.
Sensex, which had gained 53 points in last two sessions, fell by 274.12, or 1.55%, to 17,362.87 as investors and funds reduced their holdings ahead of the state elections results to be announced tomorrow.
Similarly, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty dropped 79.05 points, or 1.47%, to 5,280.35.
Weak trend in the Asian region and lower openings in Europe further hit the investor confidence. Global markets fell after China lowered its economic growth target to 7-year low and investors remained uncertain over the euro-zone debt crisis, especially the Greek financial bailout.
The downtrend was led by realty, banking and metal sector stocks on profit-booking by funds after recent gains.
Top heavyweights on the Sensex, Reliance Industries fell by 1.97% and Infosys by 1.90%.
Among other losers, SBI dropped 3.40%, ICICI Bank - 3.88%, HDFC Bank - 1.62%, L&T - 2.42 per cent, BHEL - 3.67%, Jindal Steel - 3.99%.
