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Benchmark indices extended losses on Friday weighed down by profit taking in index heavyweights Reliance Industries and Infosys.
The 30-share Sensex ended at 19,468 down 29 points or 0.15% and the 50-share Nifty ended at 5,887 down by 10 points or 0.16%.
The Sensex and the Nifty reached an intra-day low of 19,382 levels and 5,854 mark, respectively.
On the global front, Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Friday as investors pared exposure to exporters and banks while awaiting the weekend G20 meeting.
A deepening recession in the euro zone also dragged down shares, and sentiment deteriorated in late trade on news that a conservative, former finance ministry bureaucrat is the leading candidate to head the Japanese central bank.
The Nikkei closed down 1.2 per cent at 11,173.83 after falling as much as 2.1 per cent.
Back home, BSE Oil & Gas and IT indices plunged by almost 1% each. However, BSE Auto, Banks and FMCG indices ended slightly positive.
Index heavyweight Reliance Inds dropped by over 1%. According to reports, TCS today surpassed Reliance Industries to become the country's most valued company as the IT major's market capitalisation soared to over Rs 2.83 lakh crore on the back of a spurt in its share price.
Infosys declined by nearly 1% on account of profit booking after recent gains.
Dr Reddy’s Lab was the top Sensex loser, down nearly 4%. Bank of America-Merrill Lynch downgraded its rating on Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd to "neutral" from "buy", saying "a slight" increase in core profit estimates was being offset by a fading US drug pipeline and moderating growth.
Metal shares like Tata Steel, JSPL and Hindalco fell by 1%.
Auto shares like Bajaj Auto, M&M and Maruti Suzuki declined between 1-2%. Auto space declined as media reports that petrol and diesel prices are likely to be hiked this week and on account of muted auto sales volumes.
On the gaining side, Tata Motors was the top Sensex gainer, up nearly 2.5%.Tata Power, Bharti Airtel, Sterlite and Tata Power ended higher between 1-2%.
Meanwhile, BSE Midcap index gained by 0.28% whereas BSE Smallcap index ended down 0.64%.
The market breadth in BSE ended unhealthy with 1,203 shares declining and 894 shares advancing.
SMART MOVERS
Suzlon Energy dipped 9% after reporting its biggest ever quarterly loss of Rs 1,155 crore for the third quarter ended December 2012 (Q3) due to liquidity constraints.
United Breweries ended higher by 4% after falling 15% in past six trading sessions on clarification that brand "Kingfisher" has not been hypothecated or pledged by company to any lender to secure its loans and no shares of the company are pledged to the lenders of Kingfisher Airlines.
LIC Housing Finance ended lower by 2%, extending its Thursday’s 6% fall, on reporting disappointing set of numbers for the third quarter ended December 31, 2012 (Q3).
Ess Dee Aluminium surged 17% to Rs 345 after the company said it is exploring new strategic options including joint ventures, partnership as well as technology upgradation.
