Markets extend losses

Markets have extended losses on weak cues from the European markets.

The Sensex touched a low of 18,052. The index is now down 66 points at 18,065.

Nifty is down 20 points at 5,429.

European markts have opened flat. CAC is flat a 3,613 while DAX is trading unchanged at 6,169.

BSE auto index continues to trade soft at 8,209 - down 2.5%.

Maruti Suzuki is down 10.5% at Rs 1,216. The stock had been trading with a loss of over 1% since opening, following a weak Q1 number.

Hero Honda has shed 5.7% at Rs 1,845. Jaiprakash Associates has dropped 5% to Rs 122.

SBI and DLF have shed over 2% each to Rs 2,423 and Rs 315, respectively.

Tata Motors and Larsen & Toubro have slipped around 1% each.

Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel has gained 1.6% at Rs 319. ICICI Bank and Sterlite have added 0.8% each.

BSE market breadth is negative. Out of 2,893 stocks traded, 1,520 have declined while 1,279 have advanced.