Benchmark indices tumbled on Friday as the long-term capital gains tax on equities investments dampened sentiment, while bonds slid for a second consecutive session on worries the central bank would become more hawkish on inflation.
The weak sentiment came a day after the government unveiled its budget for the year starting in April that raised spending for rural sectors and healthcare, widening the fiscal deficit target to 3.3% of gross domestic product from the previous 3.0%. The government also unveiled a 10 percent tax on long-term capital gains in equity markets.
Investors worried that higher spending and the government’s move to raise minimum support prices for crops could lead to higher retail prices at a time when consumer price inflation has already hit a 17-month high of 5.21%, well above the Reserve Bank of India’s target of 4%.
BHEL, Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finance and Tata Power lost the most on both indices, while TCS, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and HCL Tech were the top gainers.
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The benchmark indices ended marginally higher on Friday tracking mixed trend seen in global markets as investors reacted benignly to the UK poll verdict, which left no single party with a clear claim to power.
The S&P BSE Sensex settled at 31,262, up 48 points, while the broader Nifty50 closed at 9,668, up 21 points.
In the broader market, the S&P BSE Midcap and the S&P BSE Smallcap indices gained 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively.
The breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 1,380 shares rose and 1,289 shares fell. A total of 187 shares were unchanged.
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The benchmark indices on Friday extended losses to end lower as global markets dipped after the United States launched cruise missiles against an airbase in Syria, while back home expectations of no further rate cuts this year by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also impacted the sentiment.
The S&P BSE Sensex ended at 29,706, down 221 points, while the broader Nifty50 settled at 9,198, down 64 points.
In the broader market, the S&P BSE Midcap and the S&P BSE Smallcap indices pared all intraday gains to end 0.3% and 0.5% lower.
The breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, turned negative. On the BSE, 1,620 shares declined and 1,293 shares rose. A total of 129 shares were unchanged.
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