The index touched a day's low of 15,709 in morning trades, it recovered partially and touched a day's high of 15,985 due to buying in oil & gas sector.
The index finally ended (provisional) with a loss of 98 points at 15,965.
The market breadth was negative - out of 2,714 stocks traded, 1,798 declined, 858 advanced and 58 were unchanged today.
The NSE Nifty settled (provisional) with a loss of 19 points at 4,720.