Sensex falls below 18,000-level on profit-booking

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today crossed 18,000-level after more than two years before settling below this psychological mark.

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex on Wednesday crossed 18,000-level after more than two years before settling below this psychological mark.

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The 30-share index closed at 17,970.02, up 28.65 points from its last close. In opening trade itself it crossed 18,000-level by adding over 67 points.

This is the fourth day of straight gains for the index.

The wide-based National Stock Exchange index, Nifty, ended higher by 8.65 points at 5,374.65.

Brokers said Sensex could not sustain the 18,000-level as weak opening in European bourses led to some profit booking here.

A strong rupee against the dollar also influenced trading in IT stocks and capped gains to some extent.

They, however, added that investors remained optimistic of a better quarter earnings by corporate helping the Sensex end in the positive terrain.