<p>The BSE benchmark Sensex plunged by 260 points to close at nearly four-week low of 25,329.14, tracking global sell-off sparked by escalating geopolitical tensions after US President Barack Obama authorised targeted air strikes in Iraq.<br /><br /> The broader 50-issue NSE Nifty stumbled by 80.70 points or 1.06 per cent to end below 7,600-mark at 7,568.55. Previously, it had finished at 7,526.65 on July 15, 2014.<br /><br />Brokers said the sentiment was also hit by the rupee slumping to five-month low of 61.74 (intra-day) against the US dollar with global crude prices shooting up. <br /><br />The rupee plunged by 52 paise to five-month low of 61.74 against the dollar, but the domestic currency managed to close seven paise higher at 61.15 on suspected RBI intervention in the Forex market.</p>.<p> After opening lower by over 180 points, the 30-share Sensex at one point was down over 350 points before ending the day at almost four week low of 25,329.14 --a level not seen since July 15--registering a steep loss of 259.87 points or 1.02 per cent.</p>
<p>The BSE benchmark Sensex plunged by 260 points to close at nearly four-week low of 25,329.14, tracking global sell-off sparked by escalating geopolitical tensions after US President Barack Obama authorised targeted air strikes in Iraq.<br /><br /> The broader 50-issue NSE Nifty stumbled by 80.70 points or 1.06 per cent to end below 7,600-mark at 7,568.55. Previously, it had finished at 7,526.65 on July 15, 2014.<br /><br />Brokers said the sentiment was also hit by the rupee slumping to five-month low of 61.74 (intra-day) against the US dollar with global crude prices shooting up. <br /><br />The rupee plunged by 52 paise to five-month low of 61.74 against the dollar, but the domestic currency managed to close seven paise higher at 61.15 on suspected RBI intervention in the Forex market.</p>.<p> After opening lower by over 180 points, the 30-share Sensex at one point was down over 350 points before ending the day at almost four week low of 25,329.14 --a level not seen since July 15--registering a steep loss of 259.87 points or 1.02 per cent.</p>