Sensex slips 257pts, Nifty below 17,850; Airtel, ICICI, HDFC Bank weigh

The broader markets moved in tandem with the key benchmark indices. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices were down 0.2 per cent and 0.3 per cent, respectively.

Closing Bell

The key benchmark indices slipped for the second straight day on the back of selling pressure in select index heavyweights, like Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank. The BSE benchmark index had touched a high of 60,362 in early deals, but finally ended with a loss of 257 points at 59,772.

The NSE Nifty touched a high of 17,989, and then slipped to a low of 17,758. The 50-share index eventually settled with a loss of 60 points at 17,829.

A special Muhurat Trading session will be held tomorrow (Thursday) on the festive occasion