Sensex logs first monthly loss of 2017, sheds 0.7%

This follows sharp 16% rally in first 5 month; now trades at 19 times its one-year forward earnings

The benchmark Sensex ended marginally higher on Friday, however, ended with month with negative returns. This is the first time this year that the index has logged a first monthly loss. Following a sharp 16 per cent rally in the first five months, the Sensex ended with 0.72 per cent decline in June.

On Friday, the Sensex added 64 points, or 0.21 per cent to close at 30,921.6, while the Nifty 50 index gained 16.8 points, or 0.18 per cent to close at 9,520.9. All broader indices including BSE Midcap index ended with gains even as investors remained cautious ahead of