Sensex slips in cautious trade ahead of F&O, GDP data

Extending its falling trend for the second session, the 30-share index, after moving between 33,728.81 and 33,553.12, finally settled 15.83 points, or 0.05 per cent, lower at 33,602.76 as several bluechips retreated.

File photo of Bombay Stock Exchange. Image source: IANS

Benchmark Sensex ended marginally lower at 33,603 today as investors remained on the sidelines ahead of the second quarter GDP data and expiry of November derivatives contracts.

Sentiment took a hit after North Korea test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile, ratcheting up tensions with the US.

Extending its falling trend for the second session, the 30-share index, after moving between 33,728.81 and 33,553.12, finally settled 15.83 points, or 0.05 per cent, lower at 33,602.76 as several bluechips retreated.

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The barometer had lost 105.85 points in yesterday's trade after eight straight sessions of gains.

The broader NSE Nifty too slipped 8.95 points or 0.09 per cent to end at 10,361.30 after shuttling between 10,392.95 and 10,345.90.

"Indian stocks retracted to a risk off mode ahead of the GDP data release scheduled tomorrow. Global cues were also mixed with US tax overhaul optimism drowned by pessimism over renewed threats from North Korea.

"Investors also seemed to be waiting for the outcome of OPEC's meeting and lacked confidence in chasing short-covering rallies ahead of domestic F&O expiry tomorrow," said Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 12.24 crore yesterday, as per provisional data. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold equities worth a net Rs 428.15 crore.

Globally, most Asian markets stayed cautious as investors brushed off early worries about North Korea's latest missile test. European shares were higher in their early deals.

Axis Bank was the worst performer in the Sensex kitty, falling 2.32 per cent, followed by HDFC (1.31 per cent).

Others on the losing side included Asian Paints, SBI, TCS, Kotak Bank, Dr Reddy's, Tata Motors, Hero MotoCorp, NTPC, Cipla, Infosys and M&M, falling up to 1.18 per cent.

The gainers' pack was led by Wipro, Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Auto, Coal India, HDFC Bank, Maruti Suzuki, ITC, L&T and ICICI Bank.

Sector-wise, BSE metal lost most, falling 0.55 per cent, followed by bankex, PSU, power, IT and teck.

The BSE mid and small cap indices also lost up to 0.17 per cent.

In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 0.19 per cent, Singapore fell 0.10 per cent while Japan's Nikkei ended 0.49 per cent higher. Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.13 per cent.

In the euro zone, Frankfurt's DAX rose 0.70 per cent, while Paris CAC rose 0.49 per cent in early deals. London's FTSE shed 0.55 per cent.

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