Sensex hits 6-week low

In a volatile session, the BSE Sensex on Friday failed to build on early gains and closed 90 points down at six-week low as rate-sensitive sectors like auto and banks saw selling pressure ahead of RBI policy review, amid sustained weakness in rupee that tumbled below 57-mark.

Taking a U-turn in second half after gaining 192 points, the Sensex saw profit-booking as global investors also adopted a cautious stance ahead of US jobs data, said traders. Auto stocks including M&M, Maruti and Tata Motors fell in 1.5-2.3 per cent range. Among banks, ICICI, HDFC and SBI ended lower.

Sensex ended at at nearly six-week low of 19,429.23, a fall of 90.26 points or 0.46 per cent. It was second day of losses after the index declined by 48.73 points on Thursday.