Sentiments took a hit after broader Asian markets weakened, following a renewed sell-off on Wall Street on Tuesday as energy shares dropped after crude oil prices plunged to a 13-month low amid weak earnings and US-China trade disputes, fuelling worries about economic growth
BSE Mid-cap index ended lower by over 2.5% and BSE Small-cap index tumbled over 3%.
Traders said falling crude prices in the global market was a big boost for the economy as it lightens the country's import bill burden, eases inflation and current account deficit concerns.
The broader NSE Nifty, after shuttling between 10,651.60 and 10.532.70 points on alternate bouts of buying and selling, closed 6.20 points, or 0.06 per cent, down at 10,576.30.
The broader NSE Nifty slipped below the 10,500-mark by falling 103 points, or 0.97 per cent, at 10,482.20. It touched a high of 10,645.50 and a low of 10,464.05 during the day.
Both the indices ended at their highest levels since February 1.
The broader NSE Nifty moved between 10,705 and 10,785.55, before ending 25.15 points, or 0.23 per cent down at 10,716.55.
The S&P BSE Midcap and the S&P BSE Smallcap indices slipped in red to shed over 1% each
The laggards in the Sensex kitty were Vedanta, Tata Steel, M&M, HCL Tech, Bharti Airtel, Maruti Suzuki, L&T, Asian Paint and HDFC
Broader market underperformed with the BSE Midcap and the BSE Smallcap indices losing up to 0.2%
Sentiment was hurt after market regulator Sebi directed bourses to initiate action against 331 suspected shell companies.
Investors booked profits in recent gainers
The NSE Nifty after shuttling between 10,441.90 and 10,341.90, ended 6.15 points, or 0.06 per cent down at 10,380.45.
Side indices raced ahead with BSE Midcap and BSE Smallcap advancing 0.4% and 0.3% up, respectively.
The 30-share Sensex ended down 159 points at 27,425 and the 50-share Nifty closed down 24 points at 8,299.
On the BSE, 1,493 shares declined and 1,236 shares rose. A total of 177 shares were unchanged
