Markets continued to trade in a lacklustre fashion and has slipped to the day's low in afternoon trades. The Sensex slipped 61 points to 17,323. Nifty was down 15 points at 5,239.
On the global front, Asian shares slipped as investors saw weak regional and global economic data as raising the prospect for more stimulus from central banks to underpin growth, while Europe kept hopes alive for some progress in tackling its debt crisis.Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite shed 0.5-0.8% each.
Back home, the rupee rose by 11 paise to Rs 55.42 against the dollar in early trade today on the Interbank Foreign Exchange as the American currency weakened against euro overseas.
BSE IT index slipped 0.6% to 5,696. Bankex, metal, healthcare and PSU indices were down 0.3-0.5% each.
Tata Power slipped 2% to Rs 96. HDGC, ONGC and Cipla were down 1.5% each. Hindalco shed 1.2%, followed by ICICI Bank, Infosys and Hero MotoCorp.
On the other hand, Tata Steel added 1.3% to Rs 363. Reliance, from the oil & gas pack, added 1% to Rs 772. Tata Motors, HUL and SBI are up marginally as well.
United Spirits has gained 2% at Rs 1,007 as the company is nearing a deal to offload 49% stake in the flagship subsidiary, Whyte & Mackay. United Spirits, which has 55% market share in the Indian spirits market, had acquired the Scotland-based whisky major Whyte & Mackay in a highly leveraged $1.2-billion deal in 2007.
Ind-Swift Laboratories has advanced 14% at Rs 58.50 as there is buzz that the Piramal group may be eyeing its contract research and manufacturing business.
BSE market breadth was marginally negative. Out of 2,585 stocks traded, 1,263 shares declined while 1,177 shares advanced in trades.
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