Markets languish as auto, realty weakens

Markets extended losses and hit fresh intra-day lows. The Sensex dropped to a low of 20,373 - down 137 points from the day's high. The benchmark was down 111 points at 20,388.

BSE mid and small-cap indices declined in line with the benchamrk- slipping 0.4% and 0.12% respectively.

Nifty was down 52 points at 6,095.

BSE bankex, realty, metal and auto indices slipped 0.5% to 1.5% each. However, the oil & gas index added marginally in trades.

Tata Power gained 1.5% at Rs 1,397. Hindalco added 1% to Rs 246.

Wipro and TCS moved up 0.5% each. Reliance advanced 0.4% to Rs 1,081.

On the other hand, Bajaj Auto shed 2.6% along with Sterlite and ICICI Bank.

DLF, HDFC Bank, Tata Steel and Reliance Infrastructure slipped 1-2% each. SBI, PNGC, Bhel and Larsen & Toubro were trading in red.

BSE market breadth was marginally negative. Out of 2,755 stocks traded, 1,495 declined while 1,158 advanced.