The BSE benchmark index Sensex today fell by 224 points on profit selling, especially in banking auto and realty stocks, driven by weak global trends after renewed concerns over the European debt crisis.
The 30-share index lost 224.18 points, or 1.27 per cent to close at 17,480.83 points. It had lost 99.79 points in the previous session.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index declined by 68.65 points, or 1.29 per cent to 5,257.95 points.
Brokers said investors booked profits after a rally last week amid uncertainty over the eurozone debt crisis. The Sensex had risen over 6 per cent last week.
Market leader Reliance Industries fell by 1.96 per cent to Rs. 860.55 and Infosys by 1.32 per cent to Rs. 2,837.20. The two scrips have 20 per cent weightage in the Sensex.
Banking stocks fell over fears that hike in savings interest rate would reduce banks profitability and dent the earning of interest-sensitive industries. The banking sector index lost 1.54 per cent to settle at 11,277.95 points.
The auto sector index suffered the most by 1.98 per cent to 9,289.34 on reports of fall in vehicle sales during the October month, while realty sector lost 1.87 per cent to 1,883.80 on fears the interest hike might curb home sales.
A weakening trend in the Asian region and lower opening in Europe as the announcement of a Greek referendum spurred concern that the country may default, continued to shadow the trading sentiment.
