Sensex ends flat, broader indices gain

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,620.88 points, closed at 19,591.18 points -- down 21.02 points or 0.11 percent compared to its previous close at 19,612.2 points.

The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange shut shop 0.14 percent lower
at 5,885.7 points.

Broader markets also ended in the green, with the BSE midcap index closing 0.98 percent up and the BSE smallcap index ending 1.25 percent higher.

Realty, capital goods and healthcare stocks were among the major gainers. Among the losing sectors were IT, energy and telecom.

Among the major gainers on the Sensex were HDFC, up 2.31 percent at Rs.713.45; Hindalco, up 1.79 percent at Rs.215.95; Wipro, up 1.21 percent at Rs.471.75; and Bharti
Airtel, up 0.92 percent at Rs.356.50.

The losers included: NTPC, down 2.61 percent at Rs.186.25; ONGC, down 2.1 percent at Rs.291.85; TCS, down 2 percent at Rs.1,199.40; and Maruti Suzuki, down 1.2 percent at Rs.1,279.10.

The market breadth was positive with 1,911 stocks advancing, 1,020 on the decline and 101 remaining unchanged.

Other Asian markets ended in a slump with with the effect of the Chinese rate hike lingering on the bourses and nervousness after the US Federal Reserve hinted that it may not extend the financial stimulus programme.

The Japanese Nikkei average closed 0.07 percent lower at 9,590.93 points, while the Shangahi composite index of the Chinese stock exchanges ended 0.22 percent up at 3,007.91 points.

The Hang Seng of the Hong Kong stock exchange too ended dull at 24,281.8 points, down 0.01 percent.

European stocks were trading in a slump ahead of an expected interest rate hike by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England.

Around midday, the French CAC 40 was trading 0.09 percent higher at 4,051.66 points, while Britain's FTSE was ruling 0.13 percent down at 6,033.51 points.

The German DAX was ruling 0.05 percent down at 7,211.27 points.