Sensex ends 66 points higher; auto, bank stocks tank

The BSE benchmark Sensex ended 66 points higher on June 19 after a highly volatile session ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve meet outcome.

After rallying nearly 400 points during the day, the BSE gauge settled 66.40 points, or 0.17%, higher at 39,112.74. The index hit an intra-day high of 39,435.80 and a low of 38,881.05.

The broader NSE Nifty closed almost flat at 11,691.45. During the day, the index touched a high of 11,802.50 and a low of 11,625.10.

Top gainers in the Sensex pack included Tata Steel, Kotak Bank, NTPC, HDFC twins, PowerGrid and ONGC, rising up to 4.60%.

On the other hand, Yes Bank, Tata Motors, Hero MotoCorp, IndusInd Bank, M&M, Bharti Airtel and Bajaj Auto fell up to 5.54%.

The domestic market opened on a positive note following upbeat Asian bourses on hopes that the U.S. Fed might cut rates in the near future, said Narendra Solanki, Head Fundamental Research (Investment Services) — AVP Equity Research, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers.

Further, reports of U.S.-China trade talks next week also gave a shot in the arm to global markets, he added.

However, the markets trimmed most of their gains and came off the day’s highs led by selling in PSU banks, auto and pharma and IT sectors.

“The markets also failed to draw any sense of relief with the Reserve Bank of India’s statement that it will infuse ₹12,500 crore of liquidity into the system through purchase of government bonds to ease prevailing liquidity conditions,” Mr. Solanki said.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hang Seng rallied 2.56%, Shanghai Composite Index jumped 0.96%, Nikkei soared 1.72% and Kospi gained 1.24%.

Stock exchanges in Europe were trading on a mixed note in early deals.

On the currency front, the Indian rupee was flat at 69.70 against the U.S. dollar intra-day.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.55% to $61.80 per barrel.

Bombay Stock Exchange - BSE

National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE)