Benchmark domestic equity indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, ended new year’s first trading session on a flat note.
The indices opened in positive territory, but could not sustain the momentum and traded in a range throughout the day. The Sensex dropped 32 points, to close at 85 thousand and 189, while the Nifty added 17 points, to settle at 26 thousand and 147.
The broader market indices at the Bombay Stock Exchange also displayed mixed trend. The Mid-Cap index gained almost 0.3 per cent and the Small-Cap index dipped marginally.
From the 30-Sensex firms, ITC tanked 9.69 per cent, following Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, Bharat Electronics and ICICI Bank.
In contrast, NTPC, Eternal, Mahindra & Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro and Power Grid were among the gainers.
Shares of cigarette and tobacco product makers tumbled after the government notified February 1 as the date from which additional excise duty on tobacco products, and a health cess on pan masala will be levied.
Godfrey Phillips India plummeted 17.09 per cent. Asian and European markets were closed on Thursday for the New Year’s Day holiday