Sensex slips from record, edge down on F&O expiry

Stock markets came off their peak and turned weak today after three back-to-back sessions of gains as the benchmark Sensex slipped in view of April derivatives expiry.

Besides, weak Asian cues weighed on sentiment. Investors are looking forward to US President Donald Trump’s plan for the US tax system.

The 30-share index hit yet another record high (intra- day) of 30,184.22 points, but slumped to quote down 32.44 points, or 0.11 per cent, at 30,100.91 as profit-booking set in.The gauge had gained 768.05 points in the previous three sessions.Maruti Suzuki was trading lower by 0.15 per cent at Rs 6,397.50 as cautious investors cut down their bets ahead of the quarterly earnings to be released later in the day.

BSE indices led by metal, oil and gas, bank, PSU and



capital goods declined.

The NSE Nifty was lower by 9.90 points, or 0.11 per cent, at 9,341.95 after rising to 9,363.40 in the beginning.

Squaring-up of positions by participants — today being the last trading session of April series contracts in the derivatives segment — and weak Asian cues dampened sentiment here.

Major losers were Axis Bank, Lupin, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Asia Paints, HDFC and ITC, falling by up to 1.60 per cent.

Among other Asian markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng shed 0.16 per cent while Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.68 per cent in early trade. Japan’s Nikkei too was down 0.24 per cent.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.10 per cent lower yesterday.