Sensex, Nifty shed gains

Key share indices lost steam after a strong opening and ended nearly 1 per cent down on Monday, as investors booked profits on uncertainty over the direction of the market, dealers said.

Trading was volatile, with every rise being met by profit sales. "Investors are uncertain about the market direction and until Nifty crosses 4200 decisively, trade will remain volatile," a dealer said.

The Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-share Sensex ended at 14,080.14, down 82.57 points, or 0.6 per cent from Friday. Intraday it moved between 14,057.26 and 14,162.71.

The National Stock Exchange's 50-share Nifty settled at 4147.10, down 24.35 points, or 0.6 per cent. Intraday it moved between 4140.25 and 4208.15.