After remaining in positive zone for better part of the trading session, the Sensex lost ground towards the fag-end on selling in old and new economy stocks, and finally finished with a loss of three points at 3,676. The Nifty, too, closed down a point at 1,162.
Tech pivotals were battered today. Infosys and Satyam dropped 3% each to Rs 3,511 (down Rs 104) and Rs 199 (down Rs 7), respetively on profit-taking. HCL Tech, too, lost 2% (Rs 4) to Rs 166.
Pharma majors were mixed today. Cipla remained firm throughout the trading session and advanced 3% (Rs 24) to Rs 832. Dr. Reddy's slipped from the day's high of Rs 1,141 on profit-booking to finish with a marginal gain of Rs 2 at Rs 1,115. Ranbaxy and Glaxo, after trading in and out of positive zone, closed down a rupee each at Rs 831 and Rs 361, respectively.
Heavyweights ended on a divergent note. ITC fell from higher levels on selling pressure to finish with a loss of a per cent (Rs 6) to Rs 757. Reliance, which gained 2% yesterday, slipped on profit-booking and finished with a loss of Rs 4 at Rs 330. HLL, however, closed up a rupee at Rs 171.
PSUs largely finished with gains. HPCL at Rs 354 (up Rs 2), SBI at Rs 389 (up Rs 2) and MTNL at Rs 115 (up a rupee) ended with steady gains. BHEL, however, closed down a tad at Rs 280.
ICICI Bank moved up 3% (Rs 4) on buying support to finish at Rs 154. Tisco and Zee notched up 4% gains each to Rs 184 (up Rs 7) and Rs 104 (up Rs 4), respectively.