Sensex ends down 194pts at 15,563

The Sensex opened a tad higher at 15,770 - up 13 points - but slipped into negative zone soon on weak cues from Asian markets.

Aggressive profit-taking saw the index drop to a low of 15,479 - down 291 points from the day's open. The Sensex recouped some ground in late noon deals, and finally ended (provisional) with a loss of 194 points at 15,563.

The NSE Nifty settled (provisional) 59 points lower at 4,702.