Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS): Indian equities markets closed lower Thursday, affected by a global selling spree over concerns of economic recovery in developed countries and fears of another interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of India.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,910.27 points, closed at 16,460.7 points (provisional), down 380.1 points or 2.26 percent compared to its previous close at 16,840.8 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also followed a similar trajectory to close 2.37 percent down to 4,936.6 points.
The midcap and smallcap indices on the BSE too closed in the red. Broader market indices like the BSE 500 were ended 2.18 percent lower.
The market breadth was negative at the BSE, with 652 stocks moving down, compared to 2,118 on the decline and 98 remaining unchanged.