Sensex plunges by 215 pointsts on F&O expiry, weak global cues & oil rise

The benchmark BSE Sensex plummeted by 215 points to slip below the 28,000-level in early trade today as participants indulged in offloading positions in view of monthly expiry in the derivatives segment amidst weak global cues.

The 30-share barometer, which had lost 624.55 points in the previous six sessions, dipped below the 28,000-mark by falling 215.03 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 27,896.80.

Besides, profit-booking in stocks of auto, realty, capital goods, consumer durables, metal and banking sectors, negatively impacted the trading sentiments.

Also, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty dipped below the 8,500-mark by losing 65.90 points, or 0.77%, to 8,464.90.

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Brokers said squaring-up of positions by speculators as today is the last trading session of March expiry in the derivatives segment and a weak trend at other Asian bourses, dampened sentiments here.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was down by 0.35%, while Japan's Nikkei fell by 1.57% in early trade today.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.62% higher in yesterday's trade.