US stocks finished a punishing session sharply lower Wednesday, with major indices sinking more than two per cent and the Dow and S&amp;P 500 tumbling and wiping out all the 2018 gains.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.4 per cent to close at 24,583.42, a single day loss of more than 600 points.

The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index plummeted 4.4 per cent to finish at 7,108.40, posting its worst day since 2011, while the broad-based S&amp;P 500 sank 3.1 per cent to 2,656.15.

The losses followed a mixed day of corporate earnings that analysts fear signal the economy is exiting the "peak" earnings environment helped by US tax cuts that were enacted late last year.

Investors also have been unnerved by comments from industrial companies saying trade conflicts have raised material costs.

"Costs are increasing and it's often tariff-related. We also reached a potential peak for earnings," said Nate Thooft, senior managing director at Manulife Mutual Funds.

"Companies that show marginal weakness take a beating."

The share price declines also came after data on US home sales fell to their slowest pace in nearly two years, and a Federal Reserve report showed firms nationwide are worried about the rising hit from tariffs and widespread labor shortages.

The expectation the Fed will continue to raise interest rates also has buffeted stocks this month, alongside anxiety over the fallout from the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi and an ongoing budget dispute between Italy and Brussels.

Technology shares were especially hard hit Wednesday, with Amazon losing 5.9 per cent, Facebook 5.4 per cent, Google-parent Alphabet 4.8 per cent and Netflix 9.4 per cent.

Chip companies also sank following a disappointing forecast from Texas Instruments, which dropped 8.2 per cent. Applied Materials lost 5.1 per cent, Micron 8.4 per cent and Advanced Micro Devices 9.2 per cent.

A rare bright spot was Boeing, which advanced 1.3 per cent after raising its full-year profit forecast.

But other large industrial companies in the Dow fell, including Caterpillar and 3M which dropped 5.6 per cent and 4.2 per cent, respectively. The two companies also fell sharply on Tuesday following disappointing results.

US stocks finished a punishing session sharply lower Wednesday, with major indices sinking more than two per cent and the Dow and S&P 500 tumbling and wiping out all the 2018 gains.

US stocks finished a punishing session sharply lower Wednesday, with major indices sinking more than two per cent and the Dow and S&P 500 tumbling and wiping out all the 2018 gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.4 per cent to close at 24,583.42, a single day loss of more than 600 points. The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index plummeted 4.4 per cent to finish at 7,108.40, posting its worst day since 2011, while the broad-based S&P 500 sank 3.1 per cent to 2,656.15. The losses followed a mixed day of corporate earnings that analysts fear signal the economy is exiting the "peak" earnings environment helped by US tax cuts that were enacted late last year. Investors also have been unnerved by comments from industrial companies saying trade conflicts have raised material costs. "Costs are increasing and it's often tariff-related. We also reached a potential peak for earnings," said Nate Thooft, senior managing director at Manulife Mutual Funds. "Companies that show marginal weakness take a beating." The share price declines also came after data on US home sales fell to their slowest pace in nearly two years, and a Federal Reserve report showed firms nationwide are worried about the rising hit from tariffs and widespread labor shortages. The expectation the Fed will continue to raise interest rates also has buffeted stocks this month, alongside anxiety over the fallout from the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi and an ongoing budget dispute between Italy and Brussels. Technology shares were especially hard hit Wednesday, with Amazon losing 5.9 per cent, Facebook 5.4 per cent, Google-parent Alphabet 4.8 per cent and Netflix 9.4 per cent. Chip companies also sank following a disappointing forecast from Texas Instruments, which dropped 8.2 per cent. Applied Materials lost 5.1 per cent, Micron 8.4 per cent and Advanced Micro Devices 9.2 per cent. A rare bright spot was Boeing, which advanced 1.3 per cent after raising its full-year profit forecast. But other large industrial companies in the Dow fell, including Caterpillar and 3M which dropped 5.6 per cent and 4.2 per cent, respectively. The two companies also fell sharply on Tuesday following disappointing results.

US stocks plunge, sending Dow into the red for 2018

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.29 points to trade at 38,971.19 at 10.34 am (0534 GMT), according to the bourse's website.

Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis.

The agreement was announced as the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-is-desperately-looking-for-loans-imran-khan-at-saudi-investment-conference-172963">new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan&nbsp;</a>attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday. The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday. The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.29 points to trade at 38,971.19 at 10.34 am (0534 GMT), according to the bourse's website. Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis. The agreement was announced as the new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani stocks jump 3.3% on Saudi offer of $6 billion rescue package

Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk will purchase company stock worth $20 million in the next open trading session, the electric carmaker said in a filing on Wednesday.

The news comes weeks after Tesla and Musk agreed to pay US $20 million each as fine as part of a settlement with the US&nbsp;Securities and Exchange Commission.

Tesla said the purchase is 'separate and apart from the settlement' between Musk, Tesla and the SEC.

Shares of the company rose 2 per cent in premarket trading.

Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk will purchase company stock worth $20 million in the next open trading session, the electric carmaker said in a filing on Wednesday.

Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk will purchase company stock worth $20 million in the next open trading session, the electric carmaker said in a filing on Wednesday. The news comes weeks after Tesla and Musk agreed to pay US $20 million each as fine as part of a settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Tesla said the purchase is 'separate and apart from the settlement' between Musk, Tesla and the SEC. Shares of the company rose 2 per cent in premarket trading.

Musk to purchase Tesla stock worth $20 million

BSE Sensex on Wednesday opened on a positive note up by 193.74 points at &nbsp;34,493.21. Nifty, on the other hand, registered a spike of 30.80 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 10,331.85 in morning trade today.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/diesel-price-up-by-rs-024-in-delhi-at-rs-7435-petrol-remains-unchanged-170537">petrol prices in Mumbai and the national capital remained unchanged</a> on Wednesday after a series of relentless rise over the past few weeks.

Diesel, however, rose to Rs 74.35 per litre, increased by Rs 0.24 per litre, in Delhi and Rs 77.93, up by Rs 0.25 per litre, in Mumbai today.&nbsp;

Indian shares ended lower on Tuesday at their lowest closing level since April, with market heavyweight Tata Motors Ltd dragging down the indexes amid weak global cues, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sensex at 34,493.21, up by 193.74 points. Nifty at 10,331.65, up by 30.60 points.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049868841231282179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.51 per cent at 34,299.47. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.45 per cent lower at 10,301.05 yesterday.

The national currency on Tuesday slumped 33 paise to close at record low of 74.39.

BSE Sensex on Wednesday opened on a positive note up by 193.74 points at 34,493.21. Nifty, on the other hand, registered a spike of 30.80 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 10,331.

BSE Sensex on Wednesday opened on a positive note up by 193.74 points at 34,493.21. Nifty, on the other hand, registered a spike of 30.80 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 10,331.85 in morning trade today. Meanwhile, petrol prices in Mumbai and the national capital remained unchanged on Wednesday after a series of relentless rise over the past few weeks. Diesel, however, rose to Rs 74.35 per litre, increased by Rs 0.24 per litre, in Delhi and Rs 77.93, up by Rs 0.25 per litre, in Mumbai today. Indian shares ended lower on Tuesday at their lowest closing level since April, with market heavyweight Tata Motors Ltd dragging down the indexes amid weak global cues, news agency Reuters reported. Sensex at 34,493.21, up by 193.74 points. Nifty at 10,331.65, up by 30.60 points. — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × The benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.51 per cent at 34,299.47. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.45 per cent lower at 10,301.05 yesterday. The national currency on Tuesday slumped 33 paise to close at record low of 74.39.

Markets open in green, Sensex up by close to 195 points

Indian shares ended higher for a third straight session&nbsp;on Wednesday, buoyed by gains in Tata Consultancy Services Ltd after the company said it would buy back stock, while robust monthly industrial growth data lifted sentiment.

Industrial output grew 4.9 percent in April from a year earlier, driven by a pick up in manufacturing, while annual retail inflation accelerated to a four-month high in May, underpinned by higher fuel prices and a depreciating rupee, government data showed&nbsp;on Tuesday.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.13 percent higher at 10,856.70, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.13 percent at 35,739.16. Both indexes marked their highest closing levels since&nbsp;Feb. 1.

Top software services exporter Tata Consultancy Services closed up 2.4 percent after the company said it would consider a share buyback proposal&nbsp;on Friday.

Top software services exporter Tata Consultancy Services closed up 2.4 percent

Indian shares ended higher for a third straight session on Wednesday, buoyed by gains in Tata Consultancy Services Ltd after the company said it would buy back stock, while robust monthly industrial growth data lifted sentiment. Industrial output grew 4.9 percent in April from a year earlier, driven by a pick up in manufacturing, while annual retail inflation accelerated to a four-month high in May, underpinned by higher fuel prices and a depreciating rupee, government data showed on Tuesday. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.13 percent higher at 10,856.70, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.13 percent at 35,739.16. Both indexes marked their highest closing levels since Feb. 1. Top software services exporter Tata Consultancy Services closed up 2.4 percent after the company said it would consider a share buyback proposal on Friday.

Sensex ends higher for third session; TCS gains

Asian stocks extended a global sell-off&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;as Italy's political crisis rippled across financial markets, toppling the euro to a 10-month low, pushing up borrowing costs for Rome and sending investors into safer assets such as US&nbsp;Treasuries.

MSCI's broadest index of&nbsp;Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tumbled 1.4 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei average sold off 1.5 per cent to a six-week low.

Chinese shares also headed south, with the Shanghai Composite index down 1.4 per cent. South Korea's KOSPI and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 2.0 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively.

Financial spread-betters expected a mixed opening in Europe, with London's FTSE to open 5 points lower at 7,627, Frankfurt's DAX to open 5 points higher at 12,671 and Paris CAC to open down 3 points at 5,435.

The sharp downturn in&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;followed from an equally harsh session on Wall Street&nbsp;on Tuesday, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.6 per cent, the S&P 500 lost 1.2 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.5 per cent. The financial sector took the hardest hit.

Investors fear that repeat elections in the euro zone's third-largest economy - which could come as soon as July - may become a de-facto referendum on Italian membership of the currency bloc and its role in the European Union.

"The way Italy's short-term debt yields are spiking makes you think default risk is on the radar in the market. It tells how grave the situation is," said Makoto Noji, senior strategist at SMBC Nikko Securities.

"What the markets are starting to factor-in is not a default per se but an early election leading to a victory of eurosceptics and an exit from the euro."

Short-dated Italian bond yields - a sensitive gauge of political risk - soared 1.5 percentage points from&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;to their highest since 2013 in their biggest move in nearly 26 years.

Safe-haven US&nbsp;Treasury bonds and German bunds rallied, as did the Japanese yen, the US&nbsp;dollar and gold. The euro fell against the Swiss franc, Japanese yen and US&nbsp;dollar, nearing $1.15 and touching its lowest point since July.

US&nbsp;10-year Treasuries were yielding 2.817 per cent in the&nbsp;Asian afternoon, edging up from the U.S. close of 2.768 per cent, while S&P futures rose 0.2 per cent.

Earlier this week, there was talk that a new vote in Italy would not be held until late this year or early 2019, prolonging the uncertainty.

Kerry Craig, a global market analyst at JPMorgan Asset Management, noted that Italy's economy is in better shape that it was in 2011 when the eurozone was mired in a debt crisis.

But, he added, "Completely dismissing the risk that Italy poses would be an unwise move, especially given how the next election may play out and the prospect of a stronger eurosceptic position."

In&nbsp;Asia, traders also fretted over the on-again, off-again US-North Korean summit and the US-China trade relationship.

The United States said&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;that it would continue pursuing actions on trade with China, prompting Chinese state media to slam the U.S. announcement.

Emerging market stocks lost 1.2 per cent, marking a new low point for the year, under continued pressure from a rising US&nbsp;dollar for countries that often borrow in that currency.

Indonesia's central bank is holding an out-of-cycle policy meeting&nbsp;on Wednesday and is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate for the second time&nbsp;in two weeks, according to a Reuters poll.

Oil struggled under pressure from expectations that Saudi Arabia and Russia would pump more oil to counter potential supply shortfalls from Venezuela and Iran, even as US&nbsp;output has surged in recent years.

US&nbsp;crude futures retreated 0.2 per cent to $66.58 per barrel, extending losses into a sixth consecutive sessions.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tumbled 1.4 per cent

Asian stocks extended a global sell-off on Wednesday as Italy's political crisis rippled across financial markets, toppling the euro to a 10-month low, pushing up borrowing costs for Rome and sending investors into safer assets such as US Treasuries. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tumbled 1.4 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei average sold off 1.5 per cent to a six-week low. Chinese shares also headed south, with the Shanghai Composite index down 1.4 per cent. South Korea's KOSPI and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 2.0 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively. Financial spread-betters expected a mixed opening in Europe, with London's FTSE to open 5 points lower at 7,627, Frankfurt's DAX to open 5 points higher at 12,671 and Paris CAC to open down 3 points at 5,435. The sharp downturn in Asia followed from an equally harsh session on Wall Street on Tuesday, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.6 per cent, the S&P 500 lost 1.2 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.5 per cent. The financial sector took the hardest hit. Investors fear that repeat elections in the euro zone's third-largest economy - which could come as soon as July - may become a de-facto referendum on Italian membership of the currency bloc and its role in the European Union. "The way Italy's short-term debt yields are spiking makes you think default risk is on the radar in the market. It tells how grave the situation is," said Makoto Noji, senior strategist at SMBC Nikko Securities. "What the markets are starting to factor-in is not a default per se but an early election leading to a victory of eurosceptics and an exit from the euro." Short-dated Italian bond yields - a sensitive gauge of political risk - soared 1.5 percentage points from Monday to their highest since 2013 in their biggest move in nearly 26 years. Safe-haven US Treasury bonds and German bunds rallied, as did the Japanese yen, the US dollar and gold. The euro fell against the Swiss franc, Japanese yen and US dollar, nearing $1.15 and touching its lowest point since July. US 10-year Treasuries were yielding 2.817 per cent in the Asian afternoon, edging up from the U.S. close of 2.768 per cent, while S&P futures rose 0.2 per cent. Earlier this week, there was talk that a new vote in Italy would not be held until late this year or early 2019, prolonging the uncertainty. Kerry Craig, a global market analyst at JPMorgan Asset Management, noted that Italy's economy is in better shape that it was in 2011 when the eurozone was mired in a debt crisis. But, he added, "Completely dismissing the risk that Italy poses would be an unwise move, especially given how the next election may play out and the prospect of a stronger eurosceptic position." In Asia, traders also fretted over the on-again, off-again US-North Korean summit and the US-China trade relationship. The United States said on Tuesday that it would continue pursuing actions on trade with China, prompting Chinese state media to slam the U.S. announcement. Emerging market stocks lost 1.2 per cent, marking a new low point for the year, under continued pressure from a rising US dollar for countries that often borrow in that currency. Indonesia's central bank is holding an out-of-cycle policy meeting on Wednesday and is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate for the second time in two weeks, according to a Reuters poll. Oil struggled under pressure from expectations that Saudi Arabia and Russia would pump more oil to counter potential supply shortfalls from Venezuela and Iran, even as US output has surged in recent years. US crude futures retreated 0.2 per cent to $66.58 per barrel, extending losses into a sixth consecutive sessions.

Global Markets: Stocks battered as Italian crisis deepens

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 closed marginally higher on Tuesday after falling for last five sessions, following mixed cues from global markets and political uncertainty in Karnataka amid fourth-quarter earnings.&nbsp

BSE Sensex closed 35.11 points higher at 34,651.24, while the Nifty 50 ended 20 points up at 10,536.70.&nbsp

Equities in Europe and Asia were mixed despite gains on Wall Street on the back of an apparent cooling in recent US-China trade tensions.&nbsp

BSE MidCap and SmallCap rose 0.65%. Among the sectoral indices on BSE, auto, metal, realty, healthcare and industrials gained over 1%, while oil and gas, energy, FMCG and utilities declined up to 0.41%.

On NSE, Nifty PSU Bank rose 3.65% led by SBI, which was up 4.60%. Dr Reddy’s Labs, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors and SBI were top gainers, whereas TCS, Asian Paints, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank were among the major losers.

BSE Sensex closed 35.11 points higher at 34,651.24, while the Nifty 50 ended 20 points up at 10,536.70.

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 closed marginally higher on Tuesday after falling for last five sessions, following mixed cues from global markets and political uncertainty in Karnataka amid fourth-quarter earnings. BSE Sensex closed 35.11 points higher at 34,651.24, while the Nifty 50 ended 20 points up at 10,536.70. Equities in Europe and Asia were mixed despite gains on Wall Street on the back of an apparent cooling in recent US-China trade tensions. BSE MidCap and SmallCap rose 0.65%. Among the sectoral indices on BSE, auto, metal, realty, healthcare and industrials gained over 1%, while oil and gas, energy, FMCG and utilities declined up to 0.41%. On NSE, Nifty PSU Bank rose 3.65% led by SBI, which was up 4.60%. Dr Reddy’s Labs, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors and SBI were top gainers, whereas TCS, Asian Paints, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank were among the major losers.

Sensex closes at 34,651.24, Nifty ends at 10,537

The key Indian equity indices provisionally closed in the red on Thursday tracking broadly negative global cues.

Market benchmark Sensex broke its four-day winning streak to end over 73 points lower at 35,103.14 as investors chose to trim their positions on weak global cues ahead of talks between China and the US on their trade dispute.

Unabated capital outflows by foreign funds and lower-than-expected quarterly numbers by InterGlobe Aviation and some other companies too added to the caution, brokers said.

Investors kept an eye on high-level talks between China and the US on trade in Beijing today.

Back home, counters such as realty, capital goods, IT, teck, infrastructure, FMCG, consumer durables, oil and gas and auto suffered as participants pulled money off the table.

After opening higher, the 30-share Sensex quickly slipped into the red largely in line with weak Asian cues and hit a low of 35,020.08 before settling at 35,103.14, still down by 73.28 points, or 0.21 per cent.

The index had surged 675.15 points in the past four sessions, spurred by sustained buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and encouraging quarterly earnings by some companies.

The 50-share NSE Nifty slipped below the 10,700-mark and finished at 10,679.65 -- down 38.40 points, or 0.36 per cent. During the day, it shuttled between 10,720.60 and 10,647.45.

Meanwhile, on a net basis, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 525.93 crore, while DIIs bought shares to the tune of Rs 165.84 crore in yesterday's trade, provisional data showed.

(With inputs from PTI)

Investors kept an eye on high-level talks between China and the US on trade in Beijing today.

The key Indian equity indices provisionally closed in the red on Thursday tracking broadly negative global cues. Market benchmark Sensex broke its four-day winning streak to end over 73 points lower at 35,103.14 as investors chose to trim their positions on weak global cues ahead of talks between China and the US on their trade dispute. Unabated capital outflows by foreign funds and lower-than-expected quarterly numbers by InterGlobe Aviation and some other companies too added to the caution, brokers said. Investors kept an eye on high-level talks between China and the US on trade in Beijing today. Back home, counters such as realty, capital goods, IT, teck, infrastructure, FMCG, consumer durables, oil and gas and auto suffered as participants pulled money off the table. After opening higher, the 30-share Sensex quickly slipped into the red largely in line with weak Asian cues and hit a low of 35,020.08 before settling at 35,103.14, still down by 73.28 points, or 0.21 per cent. The index had surged 675.15 points in the past four sessions, spurred by sustained buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and encouraging quarterly earnings by some companies. The 50-share NSE Nifty slipped below the 10,700-mark and finished at 10,679.65 -- down 38.40 points, or 0.36 per cent. During the day, it shuttled between 10,720.60 and 10,647.45. Meanwhile, on a net basis, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 525.93 crore, while DIIs bought shares to the tune of Rs 165.84 crore in yesterday's trade, provisional data showed. (With inputs from PTI)

Sensex snaps 4-day rising streak, ends at 35,103

Benchmark indices ended flat Wednesday after a choppy session dragged by losses in the metal and IT indices.

The S&P BSE Sensex ended at 35,176, up 16 points while the broader Nifty50 index settled at 10,718, down 21 points

Sentiment across the globe was muted as investors await the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision later in the global day for cues on the future pace of US monetary tightening.

Traders remained cautious in view of weak cues from other Asian markets ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy outcome later in the day.

Traders remained cautious in view of weak cues from other Asian markets ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy outcome later in the day.

Benchmark indices ended flat Wednesday after a choppy session dragged by losses in the metal and IT indices. The S&P BSE Sensex ended at 35,176, up 16 points while the broader Nifty50 index settled at 10,718, down 21 points Sentiment across the globe was muted as investors await the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision later in the global day for cues on the future pace of US monetary tightening. Traders remained cautious in view of weak cues from other Asian markets ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy outcome later in the day.

Sensex ends at 35,176, Nifty closes at 10,718

Benchmark Sensex vaulted over 212 points today, riding on a stellar show by Yes Bank, as investors piled into consumption, IT and banking counters amid encouraging earnings.

Yes Bank was the top performer in the 30-share Sensex pack, surging 8.26 per cent, after the private lender reported a 29 per cent jump in its net profit (standalone) at Rs 1,179.40 crore for the March quarter. 
Covering up of pending short positions by speculators on expiry of the April derivatives contracts added to the momentum, brokers said. 
&nbsp 
The BSE Sensex took off on a positive note at 34,532.95 and advanced to the day's high of 34,747.97 before ending at 34,713.60, up 212.33 points, or 0.62 per cent.

This is its highest closing since February 5, when it had finished at 34,757.16.

The 50-issue NSE Nifty ended at 10,617.80, up 47.25 points, or 0.45 per cent, after shuttling between 10,628.40 and 10,559.65.

Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 435.98 crore, while foreign portfolio investors sold to the tune of Rs 304.79 crore yesterday, provisional data showed. 
Globally, there was a mixed trend in Asia and a higher opening in Europe as robust corporate earnings helped Wall Street calm concerns over the surge in US bond yields.

"Market surged in the closing hours of the F&O expiry day led by private banks on account of earnings positivity. IT stocks continued the positive momentum but PSU banks continued to be major laggards.

"Global markets were mixed ahead of the ECB interest rate decision scheduled today but the earnings positivity in the US kept the investors interested despite a further rise in crude price and soaring bond yields," said Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

Other Sensex gainers included HUL 2.17 per cent, TCS 2.09 per cent, ITC 1.61 per cent, Kotak Bank 1.41 per cent, Adani Ports 1.38 per cent, Infosys 1.27 per cent, IndusInd Bank 1.11 per cent, Hero MotoCorp 1.02 per cent, ONGC 0.89 per cent, HDFC Bank 0.68 per cent, M&M 0.63 per cent, Tata Motors 0.50 per cent, RIL 0.48 per cent, HDFC 0.36 per cent, Maruti Suzuki 0.29 per cent and NTPC 0.26 per cent.

However, Wipro shed 2 per cent after disappointing Q4 numbers. 
Other losers were Bharti Airtel, falling 2.61 per cent, followed by Dr Reddy's 2.09 per cent, SBI 1.71 per cent, Tata Steel 1.22 per cent, L&T 0.94 per cent, Coal India 0.62 per cent, Bajaj Auto 0.48 per cent, Asian Paints 0.46 per cent and Sun Pharma 0.34 per cent.

Among BSE sectoral indices, FMCG rose 1.25 per cent, IT 1.17 per cent, banking 0.86 per cent, teck 0.59 per cent, consumer durables 0.43 per cent, auto 0.33 per cent, metal 0.12 per cent and oil and gas 0.07 per cent.

On the other hand, realty fell 0.77 per cent, capital goods 0.51 per cent, PSU 0.36 per cent, healthcare 0.15 per cent and infrastructure 0.13 per cent.

The S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.25 per cent, while the Mid-Cap index lost 0.02 per cent.

In global markets, oil prices rose on geopolitical concerns. Brent crude oil futures were trading higher at USD 74.53 per barrel while WTI crude oil traded at USD 68.41 per barrel.

Asian markets ended on a mixed note as investors digested the latest quarterly corporate earnings. In US, the Dow Jones industrial average closed higher for the first time in six sessions yesterday.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index climbed 0.47 per cent and Singapore edged up 0.06 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 1.06 per and the Shanghai Composite in mainland China declined 1.38 per cent.

European shares were higher in early trade.

Frankfurt's DAX 30 index inched up 0.17 per cent and Paris CAC 40 was higher 0.44 per cent. London's benchmark FTSE 100 index too climbed 0.16 per cent.&nbsp

The BSE Sensex took off on a positive note at 34,532.95 and advanced to the day's high of 34,747.97 before ending at 34,713.60, up 212.33 points, or 0.62 per cent.

Benchmark Sensex vaulted over 212 points today, riding on a stellar show by Yes Bank, as investors piled into consumption, IT and banking counters amid encouraging earnings. Yes Bank was the top performer in the 30-share Sensex pack, surging 8.26 per cent, after the private lender reported a 29 per cent jump in its net profit (standalone) at Rs 1,179.40 crore for the March quarter. Covering up of pending short positions by speculators on expiry of the April derivatives contracts added to the momentum, brokers said. The BSE Sensex took off on a positive note at 34,532.95 and advanced to the day's high of 34,747.97 before ending at 34,713.60, up 212.33 points, or 0.62 per cent. This is its highest closing since February 5, when it had finished at 34,757.16. The 50-issue NSE Nifty ended at 10,617.80, up 47.25 points, or 0.45 per cent, after shuttling between 10,628.40 and 10,559.65. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 435.98 crore, while foreign portfolio investors sold to the tune of Rs 304.79 crore yesterday, provisional data showed. Globally, there was a mixed trend in Asia and a higher opening in Europe as robust corporate earnings helped Wall Street calm concerns over the surge in US bond yields. "Market surged in the closing hours of the F&O expiry day led by private banks on account of earnings positivity. IT stocks continued the positive momentum but PSU banks continued to be major laggards. "Global markets were mixed ahead of the ECB interest rate decision scheduled today but the earnings positivity in the US kept the investors interested despite a further rise in crude price and soaring bond yields," said Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services. Other Sensex gainers included HUL 2.17 per cent, TCS 2.09 per cent, ITC 1.61 per cent, Kotak Bank 1.41 per cent, Adani Ports 1.38 per cent, Infosys 1.27 per cent, IndusInd Bank 1.11 per cent, Hero MotoCorp 1.02 per cent, ONGC 0.89 per cent, HDFC Bank 0.68 per cent, M&M 0.63 per cent, Tata Motors 0.50 per cent, RIL 0.48 per cent, HDFC 0.36 per cent, Maruti Suzuki 0.29 per cent and NTPC 0.26 per cent. However, Wipro shed 2 per cent after disappointing Q4 numbers. Other losers were Bharti Airtel, falling 2.61 per cent, followed by Dr Reddy's 2.09 per cent, SBI 1.71 per cent, Tata Steel 1.22 per cent, L&T 0.94 per cent, Coal India 0.62 per cent, Bajaj Auto 0.48 per cent, Asian Paints 0.46 per cent and Sun Pharma 0.34 per cent. Among BSE sectoral indices, FMCG rose 1.25 per cent, IT 1.17 per cent, banking 0.86 per cent, teck 0.59 per cent, consumer durables 0.43 per cent, auto 0.33 per cent, metal 0.12 per cent and oil and gas 0.07 per cent. On the other hand, realty fell 0.77 per cent, capital goods 0.51 per cent, PSU 0.36 per cent, healthcare 0.15 per cent and infrastructure 0.13 per cent. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.25 per cent, while the Mid-Cap index lost 0.02 per cent. In global markets, oil prices rose on geopolitical concerns. Brent crude oil futures were trading higher at USD 74.53 per barrel while WTI crude oil traded at USD 68.41 per barrel. Asian markets ended on a mixed note as investors digested the latest quarterly corporate earnings. In US, the Dow Jones industrial average closed higher for the first time in six sessions yesterday. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index climbed 0.47 per cent and Singapore edged up 0.06 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 1.06 per and the Shanghai Composite in mainland China declined 1.38 per cent. European shares were higher in early trade. Frankfurt's DAX 30 index inched up 0.17 per cent and Paris CAC 40 was higher 0.44 per cent. London's benchmark FTSE 100 index too climbed 0.16 per cent.

Sensex soars as investors say 'Yes' to banks, FMCG

The key Indian equity indices on Wednesday provisionally closed in the negative territory following weak global cues, along with heavy selling pressure in the banking, consumer durables and capital goods stocks.

Benchmark Sensex fell over 115 points while the Nifty closed below 10,600 amid weak global cues and unabated foreign fund outflows.

Asian markets fell and European shares opened lower, tracking overnight losses on Wall Street, led by sell-off in industrials, materials and technology stocks after the 10-year Treasury yield briefly touched the psychologically important 3 per cent level for the first time in four years.

Tomorrow's April month expiry in the derivatives segment added to the volatility in the domestic market, brokers said.

The 30-share Sensex, after a lower opening, stayed in the negative zone for the most part of the session and hit a low of 34,400.56, before settling at 34,501.27, down 115.37 points, or 0.33 per cent. Intra-day, it turned briefly positive to hit a high of 34,631.27 
It had gained 201.06 points in the previous two sessions.

Likewise, the 50-scrip NSE barometer Nifty declined 43.80 points, or 0.41 per cent, to close at 10,570.55 after shuttling between 10,536.45 and 10,612.60.&nbsp

(With inputs from Agencies)

Benchmark Sensex fell over 115 points while the Nifty closed below 10,600 amid weak global cues and unabated foreign fund outflows.

The key Indian equity indices on Wednesday provisionally closed in the negative territory following weak global cues, along with heavy selling pressure in the banking, consumer durables and capital goods stocks. Benchmark Sensex fell over 115 points while the Nifty closed below 10,600 amid weak global cues and unabated foreign fund outflows. Asian markets fell and European shares opened lower, tracking overnight losses on Wall Street, led by sell-off in industrials, materials and technology stocks after the 10-year Treasury yield briefly touched the psychologically important 3 per cent level for the first time in four years. Tomorrow's April month expiry in the derivatives segment added to the volatility in the domestic market, brokers said. The 30-share Sensex, after a lower opening, stayed in the negative zone for the most part of the session and hit a low of 34,400.56, before settling at 34,501.27, down 115.37 points, or 0.33 per cent. Intra-day, it turned briefly positive to hit a high of 34,631.27 It had gained 201.06 points in the previous two sessions. Likewise, the 50-scrip NSE barometer Nifty declined 43.80 points, or 0.41 per cent, to close at 10,570.55 after shuttling between 10,536.45 and 10,612.60. (With inputs from Agencies)

Sensex sheds 115 points on weak global cues, profit-booking

Shares marked their highest close since February 5 on Tuesday as gains in financial and energy stocks helped lift the mood, but aluminium producers such as Hindalco Industries Ltd capped the gains on the NSE.

The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.48 percent at 34,616.64. The broader Nifty ended 0.28 percent higher at 10,614.35.

An appreciating rupee, unabated buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and encouraging earnings by blue-chips contributed to the uptrend, brokers said.

Overseas, Asian markets closed mostly higher even as oil prices crossed USD 75 a barrel, the highest level since November 2014.

The BSE 30-share Sensex took off on a positive note at 34,491.38 and advanced to the day's high of 34,706.71 before ending at 34,616.64, up 165.87 points, or 0.48 per cent.

The gauge had gained 35.19 points in the previous session.

The gainers included Reliance Industries, Yes Bank, M&M, Adani Ports, ICICI Bank, L&T, HDFC, Bajaj Auto, Dr Reddy's and ONGC.

The NSE Nifty, after shuttling between 10,636.80 and 10,569, finally settled 29.65 points, or 0.28 per cent higher at 10,614.35.

However, the gains were capped by selling pressure in metals, IT, Tech, power, consumer durables and PSU stocks.

Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 387.26 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 259.08 crore yesterday, provisional data released by the stock exchanges showed.

(With inputs from PTI)

Sensex rises 166 points, Nifty50 reclaims 10,600; VIX eases 9% ahead of F&O expiry.

Shares marked their highest close since February 5 on Tuesday as gains in financial and energy stocks helped lift the mood, but aluminium producers such as Hindalco Industries Ltd capped the gains on the NSE. The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.48 percent at 34,616.64. The broader Nifty ended 0.28 percent higher at 10,614.35. An appreciating rupee, unabated buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and encouraging earnings by blue-chips contributed to the uptrend, brokers said. Overseas, Asian markets closed mostly higher even as oil prices crossed USD 75 a barrel, the highest level since November 2014. The BSE 30-share Sensex took off on a positive note at 34,491.38 and advanced to the day's high of 34,706.71 before ending at 34,616.64, up 165.87 points, or 0.48 per cent. The gauge had gained 35.19 points in the previous session. The gainers included Reliance Industries, Yes Bank, M&M, Adani Ports, ICICI Bank, L&T, HDFC, Bajaj Auto, Dr Reddy's and ONGC. The NSE Nifty, after shuttling between 10,636.80 and 10,569, finally settled 29.65 points, or 0.28 per cent higher at 10,614.35. However, the gains were capped by selling pressure in metals, IT, Tech, power, consumer durables and PSU stocks. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 387.26 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 259.08 crore yesterday, provisional data released by the stock exchanges showed. (With inputs from PTI)

Sensex rises 166 points, Nifty reclaims 10,600

The benchmark BSE Sensex declined by about 80 points in early session today, in tandem with weak global cues amid rupee's plunge below the 66 mark.

Besides, the release of the minutes of last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on April 4-5, indicating the Reserve Bank of India may shift to a hawkish monetary stance in June, weighed on investor sentiment.

The 30-share index, which had gained 95.61 points in yesterday's session, was quoting lower by 79.95 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 34,347.34, with metal, banking, realty, FMCG, power and PSU stocks leading the fall.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty fell 25.20 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 10,540.10.

Brokers said, besides continued capital outflows by foreign funds, profit-booking in recent gainers, rupee's fall below the 66-mark against the dollar and higher global crude oil prices, hurt trading sentiments.

Bucking the trend, shares of the country's largest software exporter TCS climbed 3.81 per cent, to Rs 3,312.30 after the company yesterday reported a 4.4 per cent growth in its consolidated net profit at Rs 6,904 crore for the March 2018 quarter and its board recommended a 1:1 bonus share issue.

Laggards were Tata Steel, Asian Paint, ITC, SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC, Sun Pharma, Yes Bank, IndusInd Bank, Power Grid, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, M&M and RIL, falling by up to 1.39 per cent.

Meanwhile, foreign funds sold shares worth Rs 624.99 crore in yesterday's trade, provisional data showed.

Globally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.18 per cent, while Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.73 per cent in early trade today. Japan's Nikkei, however, rose 0.14 per cent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average had ended 0.34 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.&nbsp

The 30-share index, which had gained 95.61 points in yesterday's session, was quoting lower by 79.95 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 34,347.34, with metal, banking, realty, FMCG, power and PSU stocks leading the fall.

The benchmark BSE Sensex declined by about 80 points in early session today, in tandem with weak global cues amid rupee's plunge below the 66 mark. Besides, the release of the minutes of last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on April 4-5, indicating the Reserve Bank of India may shift to a hawkish monetary stance in June, weighed on investor sentiment. The 30-share index, which had gained 95.61 points in yesterday's session, was quoting lower by 79.95 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 34,347.34, with metal, banking, realty, FMCG, power and PSU stocks leading the fall. Similarly, the NSE Nifty fell 25.20 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 10,540.10. Brokers said, besides continued capital outflows by foreign funds, profit-booking in recent gainers, rupee's fall below the 66-mark against the dollar and higher global crude oil prices, hurt trading sentiments. Bucking the trend, shares of the country's largest software exporter TCS climbed 3.81 per cent, to Rs 3,312.30 after the company yesterday reported a 4.4 per cent growth in its consolidated net profit at Rs 6,904 crore for the March 2018 quarter and its board recommended a 1:1 bonus share issue. Laggards were Tata Steel, Asian Paint, ITC, SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC, Sun Pharma, Yes Bank, IndusInd Bank, Power Grid, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, M&M and RIL, falling by up to 1.39 per cent. Meanwhile, foreign funds sold shares worth Rs 624.99 crore in yesterday's trade, provisional data showed. Globally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.18 per cent, while Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.73 per cent in early trade today. Japan's Nikkei, however, rose 0.14 per cent. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average had ended 0.34 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.

Sensex falls over 50 points on negative global cues, weak rupee

Benchmark Sensex plunged more than 350 points on Wednesday, in line with a weak trend overseas on escalating trade war worries, as participants stayed on the sidelines ahead of RBI's monetary policy announcement.

Sentiment dampened after China today said it was ready to take countermeasures in retaliation against the new round of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

The escalating Sino-US trade tensions also dragged down global equity markets, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 1.31%. US stocks futures and European stocks also extended their fall.

The 30-share Sensex opened positive and advanced to a high of 33,505.53 but succumbed to a sudden sell-off in the afternoon, hitting a low of 32,972.56. It finally ended 351.56 points or 1.05 per cent down at 33,019.07.

This is the benchmark's biggest fall since March 23, when it had lost 409.73 points.

The broader NSE Nifty, after scaling the day's high of 10,279.85, slipped into the negative terrain to 10,111.30 before closing at 10,128.40, down by 116.60 points, or 1.14 per cent.

(With inputs from PTI)

BSE Sensex closed lower by 351.56 points at 33,019.07, while the Nifty 50 fell 116.60 points to close at 10,128.40. Here are the highlights from the markets

Benchmark Sensex plunged more than 350 points on Wednesday, in line with a weak trend overseas on escalating trade war worries, as participants stayed on the sidelines ahead of RBI's monetary policy announcement. Sentiment dampened after China today said it was ready to take countermeasures in retaliation against the new round of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The escalating Sino-US trade tensions also dragged down global equity markets, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 1.31%. US stocks futures and European stocks also extended their fall. The 30-share Sensex opened positive and advanced to a high of 33,505.53 but succumbed to a sudden sell-off in the afternoon, hitting a low of 32,972.56. It finally ended 351.56 points or 1.05 per cent down at 33,019.07. This is the benchmark's biggest fall since March 23, when it had lost 409.73 points. The broader NSE Nifty, after scaling the day's high of 10,279.85, slipped into the negative terrain to 10,111.30 before closing at 10,128.40, down by 116.60 points, or 1.14 per cent. (With inputs from PTI)

Worried by US-China tariff war, Sensex drops 352 points

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 declined over 1% as trade war fears escalated after China announced 25% tariff on 106 products in 14 categories imported from the US, including soybeans, automobiles and chemicals.

BSE Sensex closed lower by 351.56 points, or 1.05%, to 33,019.07, while the Nifty 50 fell 116.60 points, or 1.14%, to close at 10,128.40.

The escalating Sino-US trade tensions also dragged down global equity markets, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 1.31 percent as of 1008 GMT. US stocks futures and European stocks also extended their fall.

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 declined over 1% as trade war fears escalated after China announced 25% tariff on 106 products in 14 categories imported from the US, including soybeans, automobiles and chemicals. BSE Sensex closed lower by 351.56 points, or 1.05%, to 33,019.07, while the Nifty 50 fell 116.60 points, or 1.14%, to close at 10,128.40. The escalating Sino-US trade tensions also dragged down global equity markets, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 1.31 percent as of 1008 GMT. US stocks futures and European stocks also extended their fall.

Sensex drops 352 points over US-China tariff war fears

The market extended losses on the back of weak global cues, with the Sensex falling 200 points.

The Nifty continued to trade below 10,150 ahead of expiry of March futures & options contracts today, falling 60 points.

All sectoral indices were in the red, with the Nifty Metal, PSU Bank falling over a percent.

Investors would stay cautious ahead of the expiry of March derivative series later today. The stock market will stay shut on Thursday and Friday and resume trading next week on Monday.&nbsp

Overseas, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.4 per cent, with tech-heavy Korean shares falling 1.0 per cent. Japan's Nikkei &nbspfell 2.1 per cent.

On Wall Street, The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 344.89 points, or 1.43 percent, to 23,857.71, the S&P 500 lost 45.93 points, or 1.73 percent, to 2,612.62 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 211.74 points, or 2.93 percent, to 7,008.81, making their fourth decline in five sessions.

All sectoral indices were in the red, with the Nifty Metal, PSU Bank falling over a percent.

The market extended losses on the back of weak global cues, with the Sensex falling 200 points. The Nifty continued to trade below 10,150 ahead of expiry of March futures & options contracts today, falling 60 points. All sectoral indices were in the red, with the Nifty Metal, PSU Bank falling over a percent. Investors would stay cautious ahead of the expiry of March derivative series later today. The stock market will stay shut on Thursday and Friday and resume trading next week on Monday. Overseas, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.4 per cent, with tech-heavy Korean shares falling 1.0 per cent. Japan's Nikkei &nbspfell 2.1 per cent. On Wall Street, The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 344.89 points, or 1.43 percent, to 23,857.71, the S&P 500 lost 45.93 points, or 1.73 percent, to 2,612.62 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 211.74 points, or 2.93 percent, to 7,008.81, making their fourth decline in five sessions.

Sensex sheds 212 points; Nifty falls to 10,122

Snapping its two-session rising streak, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell over 150 points in early trade today as investors offloaded positions ahead of March F&O expiry and financial year ending.

A weak trend at other Asian bourses after a sharp fall on Wall Street, driven by technology stocks, also weighed on market sentiment here.

The 30-share index was trading lower by 164.52 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 33,009.87. The gauge had gained 577.85 points in the previous two sessions.

All the sectoral indices, led by metals, PSU, power and banking stocks, were trading in the red, falling up to 1.34 per cent.

The NSE Nifty fell by 59.40 points, or 0.58 per cent, to 10,124.75 in early trade.

Major losers that dragged down key indices were Tata Steel, Adani Ports, SBI, NTPC, Yes Bank, ICICI Bank, Asian Paint, Coal India, ONGC, Power Grid, RIL, HDFC Bank and Infosys, declining up to 2.08 per cent.

Investors are cutting bets on the last trading session of March F&O expiry and the end of the financial year 2017-18, brokers said.

Markets will remain closed on Thursday and Friday on account of Mahavir Jayanti and Good Friday, respectively.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 1,063.12 crore, while DIIs made purchases to the tune of Rs 2,172.91 crore yesterday, provisional data showed.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.29 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei was down 1.77 per cent in early trade today. The Shanghai Composite Index too fell 0.76 per cent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.43 per cent lower yesterday.&nbsp

The 30-share index was trading lower by 164.52 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 33,009.87. The gauge had gained 577.85 points in the previous two sessions.

Snapping its two-session rising streak, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell over 150 points in early trade today as investors offloaded positions ahead of March F&O expiry and financial year ending. A weak trend at other Asian bourses after a sharp fall on Wall Street, driven by technology stocks, also weighed on market sentiment here. The 30-share index was trading lower by 164.52 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 33,009.87. The gauge had gained 577.85 points in the previous two sessions. All the sectoral indices, led by metals, PSU, power and banking stocks, were trading in the red, falling up to 1.34 per cent. The NSE Nifty fell by 59.40 points, or 0.58 per cent, to 10,124.75 in early trade. Major losers that dragged down key indices were Tata Steel, Adani Ports, SBI, NTPC, Yes Bank, ICICI Bank, Asian Paint, Coal India, ONGC, Power Grid, RIL, HDFC Bank and Infosys, declining up to 2.08 per cent. Investors are cutting bets on the last trading session of March F&O expiry and the end of the financial year 2017-18, brokers said. Markets will remain closed on Thursday and Friday on account of Mahavir Jayanti and Good Friday, respectively. Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 1,063.12 crore, while DIIs made purchases to the tune of Rs 2,172.91 crore yesterday, provisional data showed. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.29 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei was down 1.77 per cent in early trade today. The Shanghai Composite Index too fell 0.76 per cent. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.43 per cent lower yesterday.

Sensex slips over 150 points on F&O expiry, weak global cues

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 declined on Wednesday, tracking losses in global equities.&nbsp;

Asian stocks posted declines early on Wednesday trade after US stocks fell sharply on the back of losses in technology names.&nbsp;

The Indian rupee was trading marginally higher in opening trade against the US dollar, tracking gains in its Asian peers.&nbsp;

BSE Sensex trades lower by nearly 200 points, while the Nifty 50 trades near 10,100.

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 declined on Wednesday, tracking losses in global equities. Asian stocks posted declines early on Wednesday trade after US stocks fell sharply on the back of losses in technology names. The Indian rupee was trading marginally higher in opening trade against the US dollar, tracking gains in its Asian peers.

Sensex dives 200 points, Nifty near 10,100

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 trade little changed on Monday following losses in global equity markets.&nbsp;

Among sectoral indices, the Nifty PSU Bank index was trading nearly 1% higher led by a rise in the shares of State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda.

The Street has been volatile in the last couple of weeks with US and China turning the heat on the possibility of a trade war.&nbsp;

The US's hike on import tariffs on steel and aluminium resulted in major metal stocks like Tata Steel bleeding heavily.&nbsp;

On Monday however, the Nifty Metal sub-index was trading 0.30 per cent in the green at 9.25 am. State-run banks, the other volatile sector too was holding up.

The Street has been volatile in the last couple of weeks with US and China turning the heat on the possibility of a trade war.

Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE’s Nifty 50 trade little changed on Monday following losses in global equity markets. Among sectoral indices, the Nifty PSU Bank index was trading nearly 1% higher led by a rise in the shares of State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda. The Street has been volatile in the last couple of weeks with US and China turning the heat on the possibility of a trade war. The US's hike on import tariffs on steel and aluminium resulted in major metal stocks like Tata Steel bleeding heavily. On Monday however, the Nifty Metal sub-index was trading 0.30 per cent in the green at 9.25 am. State-run banks, the other volatile sector too was holding up.

Indices trade flat, Nifty below 10,000 mark

The benchmark BSE Sensex extended volatility for the third straight day by shedding over 60 points in early trade today on selling by domestic institutional investors amid weakness in Asian markets on trade war concerns.

Selling pressure on IT, Teck and oil & gas stocks, too, weighed on market sentiment.

The 30-share index slipped 60.10 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 32,536.44. The benchmark had lost 539.64 points in the previous two sessions.

Major laggards were Hero MotoCorp, Wipro, ITC, TCS, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Dr Reddy's, Kotak Bank, HDFC and Bajaj Auto, falling by up to 2 per cent.

NSE Nifty was trading down by 14.35 points, or 0.14 per cent, at 9,983.70.

Meanwhile, on a net basis, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 935.41 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares of Rs 1628.19 crore yesterday.

Asian markets were trading lower following a global sell-off last week amid rising tensions between the US and China.

Fears of a full-blown trade war dampened investor sentiment here, broker said.

Japan's Nikkei shed 0.40 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng down 0.44 per cent. Shanghai Composite Index shed 1.32 per cent in early trade.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average also ended 1.77 per cent lower Friday.

Selling pressure on IT, Teck and oil & gas stocks, too, weighed on market sentiment.

The benchmark BSE Sensex extended volatility for the third straight day by shedding over 60 points in early trade today on selling by domestic institutional investors amid weakness in Asian markets on trade war concerns. Selling pressure on IT, Teck and oil & gas stocks, too, weighed on market sentiment. The 30-share index slipped 60.10 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 32,536.44. The benchmark had lost 539.64 points in the previous two sessions. Major laggards were Hero MotoCorp, Wipro, ITC, TCS, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Dr Reddy's, Kotak Bank, HDFC and Bajaj Auto, falling by up to 2 per cent. NSE Nifty was trading down by 14.35 points, or 0.14 per cent, at 9,983.70. Meanwhile, on a net basis, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth Rs 935.41 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares of Rs 1628.19 crore yesterday. Asian markets were trading lower following a global sell-off last week amid rising tensions between the US and China. Fears of a full-blown trade war dampened investor sentiment here, broker said. Japan's Nikkei shed 0.40 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng down 0.44 per cent. Shanghai Composite Index shed 1.32 per cent in early trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average also ended 1.77 per cent lower Friday.

Sensex, Nifty turn choppy on weak global cues

The benchmark BSE Sensex fell over 130 points in early trade today amid weak Asian cues and selling on oil &amp; gas, metals, power, PSU and IT counters.

Brokers said persistent selling by investors, capital outflows by foreign funds and a weak trend in Asian bourses due to increased concerns over the prospect of a global trade war dampened market sentiment.

The Sensex was trading 136.94 points, or 0.40 per cent, down at 33,548.60. The gauge lost 232.40 points in the previous three straight sessions.

The 50-share Nifty also fell 50.95 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 10,309.20.

Kotak Bank, ONGC, NTPC, Asian Paint, Reliance Industries, HDFC, TCS, Infosys, ICICI Bank, ITC, SBI, IndusInd Bank and Tata Motors were among major losers, falling up to 1.40 per cent.

Shares of Gitanjali Gems continued to be under selling pressure, falling 4.63 per cent to Rs 12.35.

Hong Kong&#39;s Hang Seng was down 0.24 per cent and Shanghai Composite shed 0.11 per cent in early trade today. Japan&#39;s Nikkei too down 0.24 per cent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, ended 0.47 per cent higher yesterday.

Fall in Sensex amid weak Asian cues and selling on oil and gas, metals, power, PSU and IT counters

The benchmark BSE Sensex fell over 130 points in early trade today amid weak Asian cues and selling on oil & gas, metals, power, PSU and IT counters. Brokers said persistent selling by investors, capital outflows by foreign funds and a weak trend in Asian bourses due to increased concerns over the prospect of a global trade war dampened market sentiment. The Sensex was trading 136.94 points, or 0.40 per cent, down at 33,548.60. The gauge lost 232.40 points in the previous three straight sessions. The 50-share Nifty also fell 50.95 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 10,309.20. Kotak Bank, ONGC, NTPC, Asian Paint, Reliance Industries, HDFC, TCS, Infosys, ICICI Bank, ITC, SBI, IndusInd Bank and Tata Motors were among major losers, falling up to 1.40 per cent. Shares of Gitanjali Gems continued to be under selling pressure, falling 4.63 per cent to Rs 12.35. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was down 0.24 per cent and Shanghai Composite shed 0.11 per cent in early trade today. Japan's Nikkei too down 0.24 per cent. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, ended 0.47 per cent higher yesterday.

Sensex slips 130 points on weak global cues, Nifty tests 10,300

Benchmark indices pared gains to end flat amid choppy trade on Tuesday dragged mainly by IT stocks.

The 30-share BSE&nbsp;Sensex was down 61.16 points at 33,856.78 while the 50-share NSE Nifty gained 5.50 points at 10,426.90.

About 1,718 shares advanced&nbsp;against 958 declining shares&nbsp;on the BSE.

Around 2.45PM, the wider Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) fell by 35.75 points or 0.34 per cent to trade at 10,385.65 points.

The barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 33,818.22 points, traded at 33,732.15 points &mdash; down 185.79 points or 0.55 per cent from the previous session`s close.

The Sensex has so far touched a high of 34,077.32 points and a low of 33,732.15 points during the intra-day trade.

TCS was biggest loser among Nifty50 stocks, falling more than 5 percent after big block deal

Benchmark indices pared gains to end flat amid choppy trade on Tuesday dragged mainly by IT stocks. The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 61.16 points at 33,856.78 while the 50-share NSE Nifty gained 5.50 points at 10,426.90. About 1,718 shares advanced against 958 declining shares on the BSE. Around 2.45PM, the wider Nifty50 of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) fell by 35.75 points or 0.34 per cent to trade at 10,385.65 points. The barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 33,818.22 points, traded at 33,732.15 points — down 185.79 points or 0.55 per cent from the previous session`s close. The Sensex has so far touched a high of 34,077.32 points and a low of 33,732.15 points during the intra-day trade.

Sensex ends at 33,857; Nifty closes at 10,427 in choppy trade

The markets during the closing on Monday posted its biggest intraday gain in approximately 1.5 years.

The benchmark BSE Sensex spurted by 611 points &mdash; its biggest single-day gain since March 2016 &mdash; to finish at one-week high of 33,917.94 following a relief rally in global markets on growing prospects of the US economy.

Sensex saw the biggest one-day gain in last 17 months, while Nifty recorded its biggest single-day gain in 22 months.

About 1380 shares advanced, 1341 shares declined, and 210 shares were unchanged, on Monday.

Investors lapped up recently battered metal, oil &amp; gas, FMCG, banking, power, infrastructure, IT, auto, and capital goods stocks amid fresh capital inflows by foreign funds ahead of key IIP and inflation data to be released after market hours today, brokers said.

After opening on a strong footing, the Sensex advanced to hit a high of 33,962.48 on the back of fresh buying by domestic funds and retail investors.

However, later it declined to touch as the day&#39;s low of 33,468.16 before closing at 33,917.94, up by 610.55 points, or 1.83 per cent. The index posted its biggest single-day gain since March 1, 2016, when it had jumped 777.35.

The broader Nifty finished at 10,421.40, up 194.55 points, or 1.90 per cent. It touched a high of 10,433.65 points in day trade.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Sensex saw the biggest one-day gain in last 17 months, while Nifty recorded its biggest single-day gain in 22 months.

The markets during the closing on Monday posted its biggest intraday gain in approximately 1.5 years. The benchmark BSE Sensex spurted by 611 points — its biggest single-day gain since March 2016 — to finish at one-week high of 33,917.94 following a relief rally in global markets on growing prospects of the US economy. Sensex saw the biggest one-day gain in last 17 months, while Nifty recorded its biggest single-day gain in 22 months. About 1380 shares advanced, 1341 shares declined, and 210 shares were unchanged, on Monday. Investors lapped up recently battered metal, oil & gas, FMCG, banking, power, infrastructure, IT, auto, and capital goods stocks amid fresh capital inflows by foreign funds ahead of key IIP and inflation data to be released after market hours today, brokers said. After opening on a strong footing, the Sensex advanced to hit a high of 33,962.48 on the back of fresh buying by domestic funds and retail investors. However, later it declined to touch as the day's low of 33,468.16 before closing at 33,917.94, up by 610.55 points, or 1.83 per cent. The index posted its biggest single-day gain since March 1, 2016, when it had jumped 777.35. The broader Nifty finished at 10,421.40, up 194.55 points, or 1.90 per cent. It touched a high of 10,433.65 points in day trade. (With inputs from Agencies)

Sensex closes after biggest intra-day record high in almost 1.5 years

Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex closed sharply lower amid brutal sell-off in last hour of trade.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 429.58 points or 1.27 percent at 33,317.20 and the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 109.60 points or 1.06 percent to 10,249.30.

Shares edged lower, despite stronger cues from Asian equities, with gains spread across most sectors. Asian markets rebounded from near three-week lows as concerns eased over Donald Trump&rsquo;s plan to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.&nbsp;

The Nifty dropped 109 points to close at 10,249

Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex closed sharply lower amid brutal sell-off in last hour of trade. The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 429.58 points or 1.27 percent at 33,317.20 and the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 109.60 points or 1.06 percent to 10,249.30. Shares edged lower, despite stronger cues from Asian equities, with gains spread across most sectors. Asian markets rebounded from near three-week lows as concerns eased over Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

Sensex drops 429 points, closes at 33,317

The benchmark BSE Sensex rose over 107 points to 33,926.59 in early session today as the March derivatives series kicked off on a strong note amid positive Asian cues.

The 30-share Sensex, which had lost 25.36 points in the previous session, was trading higher by 107.09 points, or 0.31 per cent, at 33,926.59.

All BSE sectoral indices were in the green, led by healthcare, bank, metal and realty stocks, rising by up to 1.33 per cent. 
The NSE Nifty50 recovered 39.85 points, or 0.38 per cent, to 10,422.55.

Brokers said investors were creating fresh positions at the start of March futures and options (F&amp;O) series, that led to a recovery in the market.

Major gainers include Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Dr Reddy&#39;s, Yes Bank, Tata Motors, SBI, Wipro and NTPC, rising up to 3.09 per cent.

Stocks of Punjab National Bank which had been under selling pressure since the massive fraud detection, however, edged 1.05 per cent higher.

Shares of Gitanjali Gems slumped for yet another session and slumped nearly 5 per cent to Rs 24.80.

A firm trend in Asian markets on positive cues from Wall Street pushed buying activity in bourses here, they added.

Hong Kong&#39;s Hang Seng gained 0.67 per cent, while Japan&#39;s Nikkei rose 0.36 per cent in early trade. China&#39;s Shanghai Composite Index too edged higher by 0.14 per cent.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 164.7 points, or 0.66 per cent, to close at 24,962.48 yesterday. The S&amp;P500 gained 2.63 points, or 0.10 per cent, to 2,703.96.

The 30-share Sensex, which had lost 25.36 points in the previous session, was trading higher by 107.09 points, or 0.31 per cent, at 33,926.59

The benchmark BSE Sensex rose over 107 points to 33,926.59 in early session today as the March derivatives series kicked off on a strong note amid positive Asian cues. The 30-share Sensex, which had lost 25.36 points in the previous session, was trading higher by 107.09 points, or 0.31 per cent, at 33,926.59. All BSE sectoral indices were in the green, led by healthcare, bank, metal and realty stocks, rising by up to 1.33 per cent. The NSE Nifty50 recovered 39.85 points, or 0.38 per cent, to 10,422.55. Brokers said investors were creating fresh positions at the start of March futures and options (F&O) series, that led to a recovery in the market. Major gainers include Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Dr Reddy's, Yes Bank, Tata Motors, SBI, Wipro and NTPC, rising up to 3.09 per cent. Stocks of Punjab National Bank which had been under selling pressure since the massive fraud detection, however, edged 1.05 per cent higher. Shares of Gitanjali Gems slumped for yet another session and slumped nearly 5 per cent to Rs 24.80. A firm trend in Asian markets on positive cues from Wall Street pushed buying activity in bourses here, they added. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.67 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei rose 0.36 per cent in early trade. China's Shanghai Composite Index too edged higher by 0.14 per cent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 164.7 points, or 0.66 per cent, to close at 24,962.48 yesterday. The S&P500 gained 2.63 points, or 0.10 per cent, to 2,703.96.

Sensex jumps 107 points as March F&O series opens strong

Markets nursed losses for the fourth straight session today as upbeat second-quarter GDP numbers failed to dispel concerns over a widening fiscal deficit.

The BSE benchmark Sensex dived 316 points to close below the 33,000-mark, while the broader Nifty declined 104.75 points to 10,121.80.

It was a forgettable week for both the key indices, with the Sensex recording a fall of 846.30 points, or 2.51 per cent and the NSE Nifty losing 267.90 points, or 2.57 per cent.

&quot;Despite data pointing to an improvement in the macro- economic environment, participants remained cautious and chose to sell stocks in the latter half of the trading day,&quot; said Karthikraj Lakshmanan, Senior Fund Manager, Equities, BNP Paribas Mutual Fund.

The 30-share benchmark, after scaling a high of 33,300.81 in early deals, slipped into the negative zone to touch 32,797.78, before settling at 32,832.94, down 316.41 points, or 0.95 per cent.

This was its weakest closing since November 15, when it had finished at 32,760.44.

The 50-issue NSE Nifty too cracked the 10,200-mark and hit a low of 10,108.55 before finishing 104.75 points, or 1.02 per cent down at 10,121.80.

Reversing a five-quarter slide in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, the economy bounced back from a three-year low to expand by 6.3 per cent in July-September as manufacturing revved up and businesses adjusted to the new GST tax regime, data released after market hours yesterday showed.

However, participants remained risk-averse as India&#39;s fiscal deficit at the end of October hit 96.1 per cent of the budget estimate for 2017-18, mainly due to lower revenue realisation and rise in expenditure.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors sold shares worth net Rs 1,500.76 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares to the tune of Rs 1,202.57 crore yesterday, as per provisional data.

Small and mid-cap indices fell 1.16 per cent and 0.95 per cent in today&#39;s session, respectively.

The session saw buying in select auto stocks such as Maruti Suzuki, TVS Motor and Ashok Leyland, buoyed by encouraging sales data for November.

Among Sensex constituents, Adani Ports suffered the most by diving 3 per cent, followed by Bajaj Auto 2.99 per cent despite the company reporting a 21 per cent rise in total sales in November.

Other big losers were Bharti Airtel (2.74 per cent), Sun Pharma (2.59 per cent), SBI (2.47 per cent), Dr Reddy&#39;s (2.44 per cent), Tata Steel (2.08 per cent), HUL (1.71 per cent), Infosys (1.69 per cent), Power Grid (1.51 per cent), Coal India (1.43 per cent), RIL (1.38 per cent), Tata Motors (1.36 per cent), HDFC LTD (1.11 per cent) and Hero MotoCorp (0.97 per cent).

However, Kotak Bank rose 0.23 per cent followed by NTPC 0.14 per cent.

Among BSE sectoral indices, realty dropped by 1.99 per cent followed by metal 1.75 per cent, infrastructure 1.63 per cent, oil &amp; gas 1.47 per cent, PSU 1.46 per cent, teck 1.43 per cent, power 1.38 per cent, IT 1.29 per cent and auto 0.99 per cent.

Globally, other Asian markets traded mixed after investors shifted nervously as US President Donald Trump&#39;s much-hyped tax-cut plans hung in the balance after a plan to push them through hit unexpected hurdles.

Hong Kong&#39;s Hang Seng finished 0.35 per cent lower, while Korea fell 0.04 per cent. Japan&#39;s Nikkei, however, rose 0.41 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.01 per cent.

European shares were down in their early deals. Frankfurt&#39;s DAX was down 0.77 per cent and Paris CAC 40 lost 0.76 per cent. London&#39;s FTSE too fell 0.18 per cent.

Markets nursed losses for the fourth straight session today as upbeat second-quarter GDP numbers failed to dispel concerns over a widening fiscal deficit

Markets nursed losses for the fourth straight session today as upbeat second-quarter GDP numbers failed to dispel concerns over a widening fiscal deficit. The BSE benchmark Sensex dived 316 points to close below the 33,000-mark, while the broader Nifty declined 104.75 points to 10,121.80. It was a forgettable week for both the key indices, with the Sensex recording a fall of 846.30 points, or 2.51 per cent and the NSE Nifty losing 267.90 points, or 2.57 per cent. "Despite data pointing to an improvement in the macro- economic environment, participants remained cautious and chose to sell stocks in the latter half of the trading day," said Karthikraj Lakshmanan, Senior Fund Manager, Equities, BNP Paribas Mutual Fund. The 30-share benchmark, after scaling a high of 33,300.81 in early deals, slipped into the negative zone to touch 32,797.78, before settling at 32,832.94, down 316.41 points, or 0.95 per cent. This was its weakest closing since November 15, when it had finished at 32,760.44. The 50-issue NSE Nifty too cracked the 10,200-mark and hit a low of 10,108.55 before finishing 104.75 points, or 1.02 per cent down at 10,121.80. Reversing a five-quarter slide in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, the economy bounced back from a three-year low to expand by 6.3 per cent in July-September as manufacturing revved up and businesses adjusted to the new GST tax regime, data released after market hours yesterday showed. However, participants remained risk-averse as India's fiscal deficit at the end of October hit 96.1 per cent of the budget estimate for 2017-18, mainly due to lower revenue realisation and rise in expenditure. Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors sold shares worth net Rs 1,500.76 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares to the tune of Rs 1,202.57 crore yesterday, as per provisional data. Small and mid-cap indices fell 1.16 per cent and 0.95 per cent in today's session, respectively. The session saw buying in select auto stocks such as Maruti Suzuki, TVS Motor and Ashok Leyland, buoyed by encouraging sales data for November. Among Sensex constituents, Adani Ports suffered the most by diving 3 per cent, followed by Bajaj Auto 2.99 per cent despite the company reporting a 21 per cent rise in total sales in November. Other big losers were Bharti Airtel (2.74 per cent), Sun Pharma (2.59 per cent), SBI (2.47 per cent), Dr Reddy's (2.44 per cent), Tata Steel (2.08 per cent), HUL (1.71 per cent), Infosys (1.69 per cent), Power Grid (1.51 per cent), Coal India (1.43 per cent), RIL (1.38 per cent), Tata Motors (1.36 per cent), HDFC LTD (1.11 per cent) and Hero MotoCorp (0.97 per cent). However, Kotak Bank rose 0.23 per cent followed by NTPC 0.14 per cent. Among BSE sectoral indices, realty dropped by 1.99 per cent followed by metal 1.75 per cent, infrastructure 1.63 per cent, oil & gas 1.47 per cent, PSU 1.46 per cent, teck 1.43 per cent, power 1.38 per cent, IT 1.29 per cent and auto 0.99 per cent. Globally, other Asian markets traded mixed after investors shifted nervously as US President Donald Trump's much-hyped tax-cut plans hung in the balance after a plan to push them through hit unexpected hurdles. Hong Kong's Hang Seng finished 0.35 per cent lower, while Korea fell 0.04 per cent. Japan's Nikkei, however, rose 0.41 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.01 per cent. European shares were down in their early deals. Frankfurt's DAX was down 0.77 per cent and Paris CAC 40 lost 0.76 per cent. London's FTSE too fell 0.18 per cent.

Sensex shrugs off GDP rebound, sinks 316 points

Asian energy firms extended a global sell-off Wednesday, dragging regional equity markets, as oil prices continued to tumble on the back of warnings of slowing demand and rising stockpiles.

Both main contracts were down more than one percent as investors were spooked after the International Energy Agency (IEA) cut its forecast for crude consumption, saying recovering prices and a mild early winter were weighing on purchases.

The Paris-based group said the sector would likely be oversupplied in the last three months of the year and 2018, while the US industry body announced a huge jump in stockpiles last week.

The news comes after recent gains in crude fuelled by a production cut by the OPEC cartel and a brewing crisis in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

&quot;The long-awaited short-term correction in oil prices finally occurred overnight,&quot; said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

&quot;Given the bullish run and extended long positioning across commodities in general in recent times, it was only going to (take) one straw to break the camel&#39;s back.&quot;

The losses in oil prices which follow Tuesday&#39;s 1.9 percent fall in WTI and 1.5 percent drop in Brent battered Asian energy firms.

Among the biggest losers, Tokyo-listed Inpex dived 3.7 percent and Japan Petroleum Exploration tumbled 4.2 percent, while PetroChina and CNOOC in Hong Kong each plunged around three percent. Woodside Petroleum sank 1.4 percent in Sydney, while Rio Tinto was 2.7 percent lower.

US tax worries :

The sell-off filtered through to wider stock markets, which have been on a broad decline since hitting multi-year highs last week.

Tokyo plunged 1.6 percent, with a stronger yen and a slight slowdown in Japanese economic growth adding to the waning optimism. The Nikkei had ended at a quarter-century high last Thursday.

Hong Kong lost one percent, Shanghai shed 0.8 percent, Sydney was 0.6 percent off and Singapore gave up 0.8 percent. Seoul eased 0.3 percent, Manila dropped 1.4 percent and Taipei was 0.5 percent lower.

In early European trade, London fell 0.4 percent, Paris sank 0.2 percent and Frankfurt gave up 0.7 percent.

The retreat followed fresh losses on Wall Street, where all three main indexes have succumbed to profit-taking after last week hitting record highs.

US dealers are also concerned about Donald Trump&#39;s tax cuts as Republican lawmakers struggle to agree on a unified plan, which has led to speculation the legislation could fail in a similar way to the healthcare overhaul.

On currency markets, the euro held most of its gains after surging on Tuesday in response to better-than-expected German growth figures. The single currency briefly broke above $1.18 in early trade before easing back slightly.

The pound, however, remains weak on uncertainty about the political future of Britain&#39;s Prime Minister Theresa May as her government struggles along with Brexit talks.

Among the biggest losers, Tokyo-listed Inpex dived 3.7 percent and Japan Petroleum Exploration tumbled 4.2 percent

Asian energy firms extended a global sell-off Wednesday, dragging regional equity markets, as oil prices continued to tumble on the back of warnings of slowing demand and rising stockpiles. Both main contracts were down more than one percent as investors were spooked after the International Energy Agency (IEA) cut its forecast for crude consumption, saying recovering prices and a mild early winter were weighing on purchases. The Paris-based group said the sector would likely be oversupplied in the last three months of the year and 2018, while the US industry body announced a huge jump in stockpiles last week. The news comes after recent gains in crude fuelled by a production cut by the OPEC cartel and a brewing crisis in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Iran. "The long-awaited short-term correction in oil prices finally occurred overnight," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. "Given the bullish run and extended long positioning across commodities in general in recent times, it was only going to (take) one straw to break the camel's back." The losses in oil prices which follow Tuesday's 1.9 percent fall in WTI and 1.5 percent drop in Brent battered Asian energy firms. Among the biggest losers, Tokyo-listed Inpex dived 3.7 percent and Japan Petroleum Exploration tumbled 4.2 percent, while PetroChina and CNOOC in Hong Kong each plunged around three percent. Woodside Petroleum sank 1.4 percent in Sydney, while Rio Tinto was 2.7 percent lower. US tax worries : The sell-off filtered through to wider stock markets, which have been on a broad decline since hitting multi-year highs last week. Tokyo plunged 1.6 percent, with a stronger yen and a slight slowdown in Japanese economic growth adding to the waning optimism. The Nikkei had ended at a quarter-century high last Thursday. Hong Kong lost one percent, Shanghai shed 0.8 percent, Sydney was 0.6 percent off and Singapore gave up 0.8 percent. Seoul eased 0.3 percent, Manila dropped 1.4 percent and Taipei was 0.5 percent lower. In early European trade, London fell 0.4 percent, Paris sank 0.2 percent and Frankfurt gave up 0.7 percent. The retreat followed fresh losses on Wall Street, where all three main indexes have succumbed to profit-taking after last week hitting record highs. US dealers are also concerned about Donald Trump's tax cuts as Republican lawmakers struggle to agree on a unified plan, which has led to speculation the legislation could fail in a similar way to the healthcare overhaul. On currency markets, the euro held most of its gains after surging on Tuesday in response to better-than-expected German growth figures. The single currency briefly broke above $1.18 in early trade before easing back slightly. The pound, however, remains weak on uncertainty about the political future of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May as her government struggles along with Brexit talks.

Asia's stock falls as oil prices continue to tumble

A knife attacker stabbed eight people on the street in Russia&#39;s far northern city of Surgut before being shot by police, investigators said Saturday.

The male attacker &quot;carried out attacks on passers-by, causing stab wounds to eight&quot; while &quot;moving along central streets of the city&quot; at around 11:20 am local time (0620 GMT) said Russia&#39;s Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes.

It said that armed police then arrived and used their weapons on the attacker and &quot;liquidated&quot; him.

The incident took place in a city some 2,100 kilometres (1,330 miles) northeast of Moscow in the oil-rich Khanty-Mansi region.

Two of those stabbed are in a serious condition while five more are in a stable condition, the government of the Khanty-Mansi region said in a statement, calling the attacker so far &quot;unidentified&quot;.

It called for calm over the incident, saying that &quot;in the interests of public calm and also of the investigation, citizens and media are recommended to use reliable information in assessing the situation until all the circumstances are established&quot;.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Asian stocks advanced on Friday, once again shrugging off a sluggish day on Wall Street

A knife attacker stabbed eight people on the street in Russia's far northern city of Surgut before being shot by police, investigators said Saturday. The male attacker "carried out attacks on passers-by, causing stab wounds to eight" while "moving along central streets of the city" at around 11:20 am local time (0620 GMT) said Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes. It said that armed police then arrived and used their weapons on the attacker and "liquidated" him. The incident took place in a city some 2,100 kilometres (1,330 miles) northeast of Moscow in the oil-rich Khanty-Mansi region. Two of those stabbed are in a serious condition while five more are in a stable condition, the government of the Khanty-Mansi region said in a statement, calling the attacker so far "unidentified". It called for calm over the incident, saying that "in the interests of public calm and also of the investigation, citizens and media are recommended to use reliable information in assessing the situation until all the circumstances are established".

Asia stocks resilient, dollar up before Yellen, Draghi speeches

Shares in Nintendo plunged today after it warned that the Pokemon Go mania sweeping the world would not translate into bumper profits, taking the wind out of a dizzying rally that saw the firm&#39;s value more than double. 
 
The stock dived 17 per cent to 23,405 Yen by the break after the Kyoto-based firm warned in a statement on Friday evening that the hugely popular game would have only a &quot;limited&quot; impact on its bottom line. 
 
Markets had cheered the app&#39;s global success as a great sign for Nintendo&#39;s nascent move into the mobile games market. 
 
That sent it soaring as investors bought the narrative, pushing it above 30,000 Yen at one stage and briefly making the firm more valuable than Sony.&nbsp;But analysts had warned that the rally was overdone since the actual impact of the game on Nintendo&#39;s finances would be moderate at best, a point it confirmed on Friday. 
 
Nintendo is the creator of the Pokemon franchise but the game, released on July 5, was developed by US-based Niantic. The Japanese firm&#39;s affiliate, Pokemon Company, is on track to receive licensing fees for the game.&nbsp;Nintendo has invested in Niantic and owns about one-third of the Pokemon Company. 
 
It also stands to make money from a device to be used with the application called &quot;Pokemon Go Plus&quot; but &quot;the income reflected on (Nintendo&#39;s) consolidated business results is limited&quot;, it said. 
 
&quot;Taking the current situation into consideration, the company is not modifying the consolidated financial forecast for now,&quot; the statement said. 
 
Since its launch Pokemon Go has sparked a worldwide frenzy among users who have taken to the streets with their smartphones.&nbsp;The app uses satellite locations, graphics and camera capabilities to overlay cartoon monsters on real-world settings, challenging players to capture and train them for battles. 
 
Uneasy 
 
Pokemon Go was seen as a shot in the arm to Nintendo, which also created the Donkey Kong, Super Mario and Legend of Zelda brands after it abandoned a longstanding consoles-only policy and opened the door to licensing some of its characters for mobile game use. 
 
&quot;I think Nintendo issued that statement because it was uneasy with how high the shares were rising,&quot; said Hideki Yasuda, analyst at Ace Research Institute. 
 
&quot;There has been a view that Nintendo cannot succeed in the smartphone business. Even if Pokemon Go does not directly contribute to Nintendo&#39;s earnings, it owns other characters like Super Mario and Zelda. These things were factored in and boosted its shares.&quot; 
 
But Yasuda added the firm&#39;s shares may rally again after an &quot;adjustment period&quot;. 
 
The smartphone app has now been launched in more than 40 countries, but until last week in Japan where Nintendo started the mythical creature franchise 20 years ago was kept waiting. 
 
Pokemon, short for &quot;pocket monsters&quot;, has been a constant in Japan since being launched as software in 1996 for Nintendo&#39;s Game Boy console.&nbsp;Authorities in a number of countries have expressed safety and other concerns about the craze. 
 
Players from San Francisco to Lagos have been warned after trespassing, including some youngsters crossing the Canada-US border.&nbsp;Some walked into sensitive military facilities and a nuclear power plant, while other players found themselves the victims of robbery or violent crimes. 
 
The Japanese government issued a rare safety-guide warning over dangers gamers could face, from heat stroke to online scams. 
 
(AFP)

Pokemon Go was briefly more valuable than Sony,?but analysts warned that this was unsustainable

Shares in Nintendo plunged today after it warned that the Pokemon Go mania sweeping the world would not translate into bumper profits, taking the wind out of a dizzying rally that saw the firm's value more than double. The stock dived 17 per cent to 23,405 Yen by the break after the Kyoto-based firm warned in a statement on Friday evening that the hugely popular game would have only a "limited" impact on its bottom line. Markets had cheered the app's global success as a great sign for Nintendo's nascent move into the mobile games market. That sent it soaring as investors bought the narrative, pushing it above 30,000 Yen at one stage and briefly making the firm more valuable than Sony. But analysts had warned that the rally was overdone since the actual impact of the game on Nintendo's finances would be moderate at best, a point it confirmed on Friday. Nintendo is the creator of the Pokemon franchise but the game, released on July 5, was developed by US-based Niantic. The Japanese firm's affiliate, Pokemon Company, is on track to receive licensing fees for the game. Nintendo has invested in Niantic and owns about one-third of the Pokemon Company. It also stands to make money from a device to be used with the application called "Pokemon Go Plus" but "the income reflected on (Nintendo's) consolidated business results is limited", it said. "Taking the current situation into consideration, the company is not modifying the consolidated financial forecast for now," the statement said. Since its launch Pokemon Go has sparked a worldwide frenzy among users who have taken to the streets with their smartphones. The app uses satellite locations, graphics and camera capabilities to overlay cartoon monsters on real-world settings, challenging players to capture and train them for battles. Uneasy Pokemon Go was seen as a shot in the arm to Nintendo, which also created the Donkey Kong, Super Mario and Legend of Zelda brands after it abandoned a longstanding consoles-only policy and opened the door to licensing some of its characters for mobile game use. "I think Nintendo issued that statement because it was uneasy with how high the shares were rising," said Hideki Yasuda, analyst at Ace Research Institute. "There has been a view that Nintendo cannot succeed in the smartphone business. Even if Pokemon Go does not directly contribute to Nintendo's earnings, it owns other characters like Super Mario and Zelda. These things were factored in and boosted its shares." But Yasuda added the firm's shares may rally again after an "adjustment period". The smartphone app has now been launched in more than 40 countries, but until last week in Japan where Nintendo started the mythical creature franchise 20 years ago was kept waiting. Pokemon, short for "pocket monsters", has been a constant in Japan since being launched as software in 1996 for Nintendo's Game Boy console. Authorities in a number of countries have expressed safety and other concerns about the craze. Players from San Francisco to Lagos have been warned after trespassing, including some youngsters crossing the Canada-US border. Some walked into sensitive military facilities and a nuclear power plant, while other players found themselves the victims of robbery or violent crimes. The Japanese government issued a rare safety-guide warning over dangers gamers could face, from heat stroke to online scams. (AFP)

Nintendo shares plunge on Pokemon Go warning

Shanghai jumped on Wednesday as traders brushed off a decision by MSCI to deny its inclusion in an influential list of global benchmarks, while Hong Kong joined a broad Asian rebound after recent heavy losses. 
 
The Shanghai Composite Index jumped 1.53 pe rcent, or 43.59 points, to 2,885.78 while the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China`s second exchange, advanced 2.98 per cent, or 54.59 points, to 1,887.22. 
And Hong Kong rose 0.46 percent, or 92.83 points, to 20,480.36. 
(AFP)

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, advanced 2.98 per cent, or 54.59 points, to 1,887.22

Shanghai jumped on Wednesday as traders brushed off a decision by MSCI to deny its inclusion in an influential list of global benchmarks, while Hong Kong joined a broad Asian rebound after recent heavy losses. The Shanghai Composite Index jumped 1.53 pe rcent, or 43.59 points, to 2,885.78 while the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China`s second exchange, advanced 2.98 per cent, or 54.59 points, to 1,887.22. And Hong Kong rose 0.46 percent, or 92.83 points, to 20,480.36. (AFP)

Shanghai rallies, investors ignore MSCI disappointment

stock

Stock, News on Stock, stories on Stock, articles on Stock, Stock stories at Wion, Stock news, Stock latest news