The markets displayed volatility with the Sensex clocking a high of 6,587 and a low of 6,509.
The index failed to hold gains, and finally ended three points lower at 6,552 following weakness in pharma, tech and auto stocks.
The Nifty, however, was up two points at 2,059.
Pharma pivotals lost ground owing to strong selling pressure. Dr. Reddy's shed 3.71% (Rs 27) to Rs 709. While Ranbaxy declined 1.31% (Rs 14) to Rs 1,071, Cipla was down 1.19% (Rs 3) at Rs 283.
ITC ended down a per cent (Rs 12) at Rs 1,350.
Infosys (down Rs 4 to Rs 2,064), Wipro (down Rs 10 to Rs 695) and Satyam (down Rs 6 to Rs 408) ended at lower levels.
SBI lost 1.35% (Rs 9) to Rs 634. HDFC Bank was down a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 561. ICICI Bank, however, ended with a rupee gain at Rs 362.
Tata Motors dropped 2.30% (Rs 12) to Rs 493. While Hero Honda dipped 1.63% (Rs 9) to Rs 528, Maruti was down a per cent (Rs 3) at Rs 449. Bajaj, however, bucked the downtrend and was up a per cent (Rs 6) at Rs 1,044.
Bharti edged lower towards the late noon trades and dropped 3.47% (Rs 8) to Rs 222. L&T lost 1.86% (Rs 19) to Rs 987.
HLL attracted considerable buying support and shot up 5.60% (Rs 9) to Rs 169. While Reliance gained 1.87% (Rs 10) to Rs 543, ONGC finished at Rs 821 - up Rs 2.
Hindalco scaled up 2.38% (Rs 31) to Rs 1,331. While Reliance Energy moved up 1.83% (Rs 10) to Rs 561, BHEL was up a per cent (Rs 7) at Rs 757.