Mumbai, Feb 8 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Tuesday closed below the 18,000 points mark - for the first time in over five months - as selling intensified across the market breadth.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,141.51 points, closed at 17,776.73 points (provisional) -- down 260.46 points or 1.44 percent from its previous close at 18,037.19 points.
The Sensex had closed below the 18,000-point mark on Aug 31 last year.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange ended 1.56 percent lower at 5,311.6 points.
Broader markets saw heavier selling, with the BSE midcap index closing 2.41 percent lower and the BSE small cap index trading 3.17 percent down.