<p>Benchmark Sensex slipped from life highs to end over 111 points lower at 36,050.44 today as markets took a breather after six consecutive record-setting sessions.<br /><br />The broader Nifty also settled 16.35 points, or 0.15 percent down at 11,069.65.<br /><br />The overall sentiment was cautious as investors were in a wait-and-watch mode ahead of the Union Budget and a long weekend as markets will remain shut tomorrow on account of 'Republic Day'.<br /><br />The 30-share Sensex, after rising to 36,247.02 points in early trade, turned negative and cracked below the 36,000-mark to a low of 35,823.35 as participants squared-up positions in view of derivatives expiry amid profit-booking at record levels.<br /><br />However, it recovered some lost ground on short-covering towards the fag end and settled the day at 36,050.44, still down by 111.20 points, or 0.31 percent.<br /><br />The gauge had gained 1,390.53 points in the previous six record-setting sessions.<br /><br />The 50-share Nifty too remained in the negative terrain for the better part of the day and touched a low of 11,009.20, before finally closing 16.35 points, or 0.15 percent, lower at 11,069.65 points.<br /><br />However, it was the eighth straight week of gains for the markets. During the period, the Sensex scored a rally of 538.86 points, or 1.51 percent, while the broader Nifty gathered 174.95 points or 1.60 percent.</p>
<p>Benchmark Sensex slipped from life highs to end over 111 points lower at 36,050.44 today as markets took a breather after six consecutive record-setting sessions.<br /><br />The broader Nifty also settled 16.35 points, or 0.15 percent down at 11,069.65.<br /><br />The overall sentiment was cautious as investors were in a wait-and-watch mode ahead of the Union Budget and a long weekend as markets will remain shut tomorrow on account of 'Republic Day'.<br /><br />The 30-share Sensex, after rising to 36,247.02 points in early trade, turned negative and cracked below the 36,000-mark to a low of 35,823.35 as participants squared-up positions in view of derivatives expiry amid profit-booking at record levels.<br /><br />However, it recovered some lost ground on short-covering towards the fag end and settled the day at 36,050.44, still down by 111.20 points, or 0.31 percent.<br /><br />The gauge had gained 1,390.53 points in the previous six record-setting sessions.<br /><br />The 50-share Nifty too remained in the negative terrain for the better part of the day and touched a low of 11,009.20, before finally closing 16.35 points, or 0.15 percent, lower at 11,069.65 points.<br /><br />However, it was the eighth straight week of gains for the markets. During the period, the Sensex scored a rally of 538.86 points, or 1.51 percent, while the broader Nifty gathered 174.95 points or 1.60 percent.</p>