Markets end in red as global woes weigh

Mumbai: Equity indices slipped into the red on Thursday as the government's latest reforms push failed to stem profit-booking amid the protracted US-China tensions.

After a choppy session, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 76.47 points, or 0.19 per cent, lower at 40,575.17. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty closed 30.70 points, or 0.26 per cent, down at 11,968.40.

Kicking off the country's biggest privatisation drive, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved sale of the government's stake in five PSUs.

However, trading sentiment remained risk-averse after the US-China trade negotiations were further complicated by a US legislation supporting Hong Kong protestors.

Majority of the sectoral indices also succumbed to profit booking amid elevated valuations, traders said.

Sectorally, BSE metal, oil and gas, telecom, energy, basic materials, consumer durables and auto indices tumbled up to 2.23 per cent.

Realty, capital goods, finance, IT and teck notched up gains of up to 0.45 per cent. Broader BSE midcap and smallcap indices slipped up to 0.73 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Indian rupee appreciated marginally to 71.78 against the $ in intra-day trade. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, slipped 0.51 per cent to $62.08 per barrel.