Sensex ends down 706pts at 18,995

Following yesterday's late selling, the Sensex opened with a negative gap of 121 points at 19,580. After exhibiting weakness in morning trades, the index rebounded and touched a high of 19,716... only to slip to lower levels.

Relentless selling in the last one-hour of trades saw the index tumble to a low of 18,930 - down 786 points from the day's high. The Sensex finally ended (provisional) with a hefty loss of 706 points at 18,995.