SENSEX DROPS 120 POINTS IN LATE SELL-OFF, AUTO STOCKS DRAG
MUMBAI: Extending its fall for the fifth consecutive session, the Sensex gave up early gains to end 120 points lower on Wednesday, as investors booked profits in banking, auto, metal and pharma stocks in the last hour of trade. The Sensex opened higher at 36,279.63 and advanced to hit a high of 36,375.80 on the back of positive macroeconomic data as retail inflation fell to a 19-month low on continued decline in food prices and positive cues from other Asian markets. It succumbed to profit-booking to touch a low of 35,962.79 on heavy selling at the fag-end. The index ended 119.51 points, or 0.33%, lower at 36,034.11.