Sensex follows down trend; below 20k

Mumbai, Jan 16: The sensitive index at Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) fell another 432 points or 2.13 per cent, to 19,818.99 points from its previous close of 20,251.09 on extended selling presure in the early trade.

The benchmark Sensex resumed the day on weak note at 20,079.89 and further slided into deep negative zone to touch a low below the psychological level of 20K at 19,792.15 on weak global cues. However, it was recovering with a slow pace amid high volatility in the mid-morning trading session. Market witnessed a healthy correction today, traders said.

Similarly, the broader based Nifty index at National Stock Exchange (NSE) resumed the day on negative note at 6,065 from its previous close of 6,074.25 and tumbled down to touch a low below 6K at 5,919.65, sheding over 145 points in the mid-morning trade.

All the sectoral indices were red, Bankex, metals, oil&gas and were down by 2-2.5 per cent. Power and reality indices were down by nearly 3 per cent. The BSE Mid-Cap index was down 1.75 per cent to 9,2666.56 and Small-Cap index was down 2.23 per cent to 12,470.30. The market breadth was weak. Asian markets extended losses today.

Frontliners, Reliance Industries fell 2.21 per cent, Infosys Technologies was down 0.11 per cent, however, Tata Consultancy Services was up 2.85 per cent, Cipla up 1.64 per cent, ACC up 1.38 per cent.

While, Reliance Communications was down 4.01 per cent, Tata Motors down 3.59 per cent, Maruti Suzuki India declined 2.91 per cent followed by Reliance Energy declined 2.77 per cent. It recovered from its lows of Rs 2,251.25. The mega initial public issue of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group's Reliance Power became the largest ever in India after over-subscription of more than 10.5 times on its opening day, yesterday.

UNI