Markets start week on a losing note

The Sensex opened at 17,107 tracking positive cues from the global markets especially after the beter-than-expected US job data. After displaying range-bound movement in the first half of the day, the Indian bourses slipped into the negative terrain owing to weak European markets opening and lower US index futures.

The index slipped to a low of 16,943, down 233 points from the day's high. The Sensex finally ended at 16,983, down 118 points. The NSE Nifty settled at 5,067, down 43 points.

The market breadth was negative, out of 2,862 shares traded, 1,466 declined and 1,313 advanced on the BSE.

Among the sectoral indices, metal index was the major loser, down 3% at 16,313. It was followed by realty (2.5%) and oil & gas index (2%).

INDEX SHAKERS...

Metal stocks - Sterlite Industries (Rs 851), Tata Steel (Rs 556) and Hindalco (Rs 143) were the major draggers on the Sensex. They ended with losses in the range of 3-4% each.

The other prominent losers were Reliance, DLF, Mhaindra & Mahindra and Sun Pharma, down 2-3% each.

... AND THE MOVERS

Bharti Airtel was the major gainer, up 2% at Rs 316. HDFC and Larsen & Toubro added 1% each.