Markets end lower on F&O expiry

Mumbai: Domestic equity benchmarks surrendered early gains to finish marginally lower on Thursday on expiry of June derivatives contracts amid upbeat global cues.

After a positive opening, the 30-share BSE Sensex suddenly faced selling pressure in late-afternoon trade.

It finally settled just 5.67 points, or 0.01 per cent, lower at 39,586.41. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 6 points, or 0.05 per cent, to end at 11,841.55.

On the global front, markets rose in anticipation of a trade truce between the US and China, with Donald Trump and Xi Jinping set to hold talks on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Japan.

According to traders, market witnessed heavy volatility as June futures and options (F&O) contracts expired. "A healthy environment was developed ahead of the G20 meet.

Today we have a pause in the momentum awaiting its final outcome this weekend. This hope and positive trend will continue in the short-term supported by domestic tailwinds like Budget stimulus and Q1 FY20 results," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services.

Sectorally, BSE energy, teck, metal, FMCG, utilities and power indices ended up to 0.74 per cent higher, while realty, auto, telecom, consumer durables, finance and bankex lost up to 1.71 per cent.

Broader BSE midcap and smallcap indices outperformed the benchmarks, closing up to 0.53 per cent higher.