Sensex snaps losing string, ends higher by 43 pts

The BSE benchmark sensex resumed higher at 17,308.89 and hovered erratically in a range of 17,410.13 and 17,211.73 before settling at 17,316.18, showing a net gain of 42.81 pts or 0.25 per cent from its last close. It had lost by 645.93 points or 3.60 per cent in the last three days.

The NSE 50-share Nifty also recovered by 17.80 points or 0.34 per cent to 5,274.85. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 160.87 crore on Monday as per the provisional data from the stock exchanges. However, Asia markets ended lower with financial and energy firms among the decliners as investors booked profits after recent strength. Key benchmark indices in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan fell by between 0.24 per cent to 1.38 per cent while indices in Indonesia and Singapore rose by between 0.12 per cent to 0.47 per cent. Japanese markets were closed for a public holiday.

European stock markets were trading lower in their early trade as banks and miners weighted on indices amid concerns about Chinese demand, while auto makers declined after China hiked gas prices. Key benchmark indices in France, Germany and UK fell by 1.00 per cent to 1.40 per cent. Out of the 30-share sensex pack 18 scrips finished with gains while others ended lower.

From the sensex pack Sun Pharma rose by 2.69 per cent followed by HDFC Bank 2.08 per cent, Jindal Steel 1.51 per cent, DLF 1.37 per cent, Cipla 1.30 per cent, ITC 1.29 per cent, tatea Steel 1.29 per cent, Tata Power 1.17 per cent, SBI 1.13 per cent, TCS 1.12 pct, BHEL 0.77 per cent and Reliance Ind 0.73 per cent. However, Tata Motors fell by 4.21 per cent followed by Coal India 2.31 per cent, Hindalco Ind 1.74 pct, Bajaj Auto 1.24 pct and Bharti Airtel 0.71 per cent.