The 50-share Nifty traded in a narrow range of 5,215.60 and 5,179.05 before finishing at 5,189.00, a modest loss of 13 points, or 0.25 per cent, over its last close.
The market opened on a slightly positive note on the back of supportive global cues and some buying in frontline counters.
But, it soon turned choppy as investor sentiment remained cautious due to overnight cut in India's ratings outlook by Standard and Poor's and today being the futures and options contract expiry day.
The key index traded in a tight band with high amount of volatility throughout the session as investors rolled over their pending position.
Most of the selling were seen in oil & gas, banking, auto, capital goods and infra-related stocks. Hectic short- covering in technology and FMCG shares capped further fall.
Gail, Tata Power, BPCL, RCom, Hero MotoCorp, PNB, IDFC, Sterlite Industries, Bajaj Auto and DLF were the top percentage-wise losers from the Nifty pack.
Kotak Bank, ACC, Coal India, TCS, Jindal Steel, ITC, Sun Pharma, ICICI Bank, Reliance and Ambuja Cement ended with good gains.
