The benchmark BSE Sensex on Thursday ended 33 points down, largely in line with weak Asian markets, though a strong rally in the stocks of corporate giant Reliance Industries and Maruti Udyog reduced early losses.
The 30-share Sensex, which had lost nearly 250 points at the outset, recouped most of the losses on the back of strong gains in heavy-weight RIL and SBI, and closed 33.84 points down at 13,638.35. It moved between 13,658.11 and 13,423.64 points during the session.
Similarly, on the wide-based National Stock Exchange, Nifty closed 6.15 points down at 4,005.45 after touching the day's high of 4011.00 and a low of 3993.35. It moved between 3,861.85 and 3,811.25 points during the session.
Stock brokers said Mukesh Ambani-led RIL's stocks remained in the limelight for yet another session largely on account of strong fundamentals. RIL scrip ended Rs 3.55 higher at Rs 1,490 after hitting another record high of Rs 1,499.50.
Automaker Maruti Udyog's stock price rose Rs 11.25, or 1.47 per cent, at Rs 779.10.
Banking stocks such as State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank also ended in positive zone, giving a cushion to the Sensex from a major fall.
{{/usCountry}}Banking stocks such as State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank also ended in positive zone, giving a cushion to the Sensex from a major fall.
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