Sensex snaps 3-day losing streak, ends 43 points up

In a high volatility trade, the BSE benchmark sensex shrugged off weak global cues and snapped its last 3-day losing streak by ending higher by 43 points due to fresh buying mainly in Consumer Durable, Realty, FMCG and Healthcare counters triggered by persistent capital inflows. The BSE benchmark sensex resumed higher at 17,308.89 and hovered erratically in a range of 17,410.13 and 17,211.73 before settling at 17,316.18, showing a net gain of 42.81 pts or 0.25 per cent from its last close. It had lost by 645.93 points or 3.60 per cent in the last three days. The NSE 50-share Nifty also recovered by 17.80 points or 0.34 per cent to 5,274.85. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 160.87 crore yesterday as per the provisional data from the stock exchanges. However, Asia markets ended lower with financial and energy firms among the decliners as investors booked profits after recent strength. Key benchmark indices in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan fell by between 0.24 per cent to 1.38 per cent while indices in Indonesia and Singapore rose by between 0.12 per cent to 0.47 per cent. Japanese markets were closed for a public holiday. European stock markets were trading lower in their early trade as banks and miners weighted on indices amid concerns about Chinese demand, while auto makers declined after China hiked gas prices. Key benchmark indices in France, Germany and UK fell by 1.00 per cent to 1.40 per cent. The rupee deprecated further by 16 paise to log its 2-month closing low of 50.39/40 against the US currency on systained dollar demand from importers amid strong dollar overseas. However, marginal recovery in local equities and capital inflows capped the rupee fall. Pramit Brahmbhatt, CEO, Alpari Financial Services (India) said,”The INR weakened by more than a 0.3 per cent during the session as various paying liabilities at the financial year end on Mar 31 while higher crude prices added to the sentiments. A strengthening dollar also weighed on the INR.