Markets near day's low

Tata Motors is the top Sensex loser, down 2.5%

Benchmark share indices are trading near day’s low weighed by weakness in auto, technology and banking shares. Weak Asian markets have further dampened the sentiments among local investors.

By 1255 hrs, the Sensex was down 81 points at 19,906 and the 50-share Nifty declined 32 points at 6,025. The Sensex and the Nifty have reached an intra-day low of 19,901 levels and 6,024 mark, respectively.

On the global front, most Asian markets slid in trades, with shares in Hong Kong weakening as financials lost ground and Japanese stocks skidding on a firmer yen. Nikkei shed 2.6% at 10,600. Shanghai Composite was down around 1.7%, while Taiwan Weighted has slipped 0.7% in trades.

Back home, sectors like Auto, TECk, Banks, Metal, IT, Power and PSU have slumped by 1% each. However, BSE Oil & Gas index has surged by nearly 1%. 

The main losers on the Sensex at this hour include Tata Motors, M&M, Hindalco, JSPL, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Power, BHEL, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank.

Among gainers, index heavyweight RIL is the top Sensex gainer, up over 2%. DRL, Sterlite, Bajaj Auto and Cipla have gained between 1-2%.

Among individual stocks, Aseem Global has locked in 10% upper circuit of Rs 65, extending its previous day’s 10% rally after the company said it is in advanced stage of talks with overseas investors for technology and financial joint venture for its new plant.

Meanwhile, BSE Midcap index has plunged by 0.55% whereas BSE Smallcap index is down 0.35%.

The market breadth in BSE ended unhealthy with 1,644 shares declining and 982 shares advancing.