The 30-share benchmark Sensex and the broad based Nifty 50 closed lower on April 18, after a nine day winning streak, dragged down by banking and financial stocks. Investors took a cautious position as companies continue to announce quarterly results this week.
The day started with the indices moving up in early trade but hit by volatility, swung between the positive and negative zone through the day.
BSE’s Sensex fell 63.38 points to close at 34,331.68 and the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 22.50 points to 10,526.20. ITC and Wipro were biggest gainers.
In the bullion market, gold prices rose by Rs 30 to Rs 32,380 per 10 grams largely due to token buying by jewellers on the auspicious occasion of ‘Akshaya Tritiya’. Silver prices also strengthened by Rs 150 at Rs 40,450 per kg largely in step with gold.