By IANS,
Mumbai : A benchmark index at Indian equities markets Tuesday managed to make up for intra-day losses to close almost flat. Broader markets, however, ended the day with gains.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,731.38 points, closed at 19,686.82 points, down 14.91 points or 0.08 percent from its previous close at 19,701.73 points.
The Sensex had fallen over 178 points from its previous close during the day.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange too followed a similar trajectory to shut shop 0.03 percent up at 5,910.05 points.
Broader markets, however, rose smartly, with the BSE midcap index closing 0.79 percent up and the BSE small cap index ending 1.38 percent higher.
Consumer durables, metal, telecom and realty stocks were among major gainers. Among losing sectors were energy and FMCG.
The market breadth was positive with 1,985 stocks advancing, 944 on the decline and 75 remaining unchanged.
Among the major gainers on the Sensex were Reliance Communications, up 1.88 percent at Rs.111.20; Hindalco, up 1.76 percent at Rs.219.70; BHEL, up 1.57 percent at Rs.2,207.95; and Sterlite Industries, up 1.07 percent at Rs.174.95.
The losers included: Tata Power, down 1.29 percent at Rs.1,319.95; Infosys, down 0.91 percent at Rs.3,253.90; Bajaj Auto, down 0.9 percent at Rs.1,444.50; and M&M, down 0.69 percent at Rs.738.70.
It was a holiday for some major markets in Asia.
The Japanese Nikkei average closed 1.06 percent lower at 9,615.55 points.
Hong Kong and Chinese stock exchanges were closed on account of a holiday.
European stocks were trading lower amid a negative view by investor rating agencies on long-term bonds issued by Portugal. The Chinese central bank’s decision to raise interest rates to tame inflation also had a depressing effect.
Around mid-day, the French CAC 40 was trading 0.59 percent lower at 4,019.04 points, while Britain’s FTSE was ruling 0.36 percent down at 5,995.54 points.
The German DAX was ruling 0.32 percent down at 7,152.35 points.