Markets slump for fifth day on coronavirus woes, F&O expiry
Equity indices reeled for the fifth straight session on Thursday, pressured by a sell-off in bank, IT and energy counters, as the global markets grappled with fears of the coronavirus outbreak turning into a pandemic.
The expiry of February series derivatives contracts too kept the domestic markets volatile, traders said.
After plunging over 465.69 points during the day, the 30-share BSE Sensex finally settled 143.30 points, or 0.36 per cent, lower at 39,745.66.
Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 45.20 points or 0.39 per cent to end at 11,633.30.
The Sensex has now lost 1,577.34 points in five days, while the Nifty has shed 492.60 points.
ONGC was the top loser in the Sensex pack on Thursday, dropping 2.61 per cent, followed by HCL Tech, M&M, SBI, IndusInd Bank and ICIC Bank.
On the other hand, Sun Pharma, Titan, Axis Bank and Asian Paints climbed up to 3.68 per cent.
World markets extended their losses while safe-haven assets like gold and US Treasuries strengthened after ...