The benchmark index Nifty reversed early gains and closed flat in a highly volatile trade on the
Today on the back of sluggish macroeconomic data.
The 50-share index of National Stock Exchange hit a high of 6,737.65 and a low of 6,689.50 before ending at 6,694.80, showing a marginal loss of 1.60 points, or 0.02 per cent, over its last close.
However, mid-caps along with technology and healthcare stocks posted gains and provided a cushion to the falling market.
Trading began on a strong note after yesterday's holiday with firm buying seen in most sectors supported by short-covering. The index briefly touched the key 6,700 mark before volatility struck in mid-afternoon.
However, the NSE benchmark failed to hold on to the upbeat momentum and gave away all gains due to tail-end profit -taking, stretching the weak trend to the fifth session.
Meanwhile, other Asian equities ended mixed ahead of the US jobs report as well as escalating tensions in Ukraine.
Metal, auto, infra, FMCG, financial and power stocks struggled under selling pressure. Heavyweights like Jindal Steel, Sesa Sterlite, Tata Steel, L&T, Maruti, Hindalco, Bank of Baroda, M&M, NTPC and Power Grid fell sharply.
Notable gainers included Tata Power, Lupin, HCL-Tech, BPCL, NMDC, Ambuja Cement, HDFC, Infosys, Dr Reddy's and ONGC.
Turnover in the cash segment dropped to Rs 11,352.28 crore from Rs 16,535.48 crore on Wednesday. A total of 6,733.88 lakh shares changed hands in 58,36,711 trades, while market capitalisation stood at Rs 73,57,053 crore.
