The benchmark Sensex of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Tuesday ended down 51.5 points, or 0.3%, at 18,618.9 during Muhurat trading — the 75-minute special session conducted every year on the occasion of Diwali — mainly on profit booking by traders. The Nifty also ended down 0.3%, or 16.8 points, at 5,667.0.

L&T Finance (16.1%), United Breweries (15.6%) and Muthoot Finance (7.9%) were the biggest gainers, while Jaiprakash Associates, HDIL and Mphasis, which closed down by 2.42%, 2.2% and 1.7%, respectively, were the biggest losers.

Oil and gas, fast-moving consumable goods (FMCG), metals and consumer goods stocks gained the most by 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively.

Experts said the Sensex and the Nifty closed down as traders sold stocks and booked profits after the initial rise in valuations.

The Muhurat trading session — for Samvat year 2069 in the Hindu calendar — started at 3:45 pm and ended at 5 pm. It is conducted every year as its believed to be auspicious to trade on Diwali.

Gold at the Multi Commodity Exchange for December futures were up by 0.1% to touch Rs. 31,812 for 10 grams.