Markets Close on a Positive Note

The markets closed the first day of the week on a positive note where the Sensex gained 43 points at 18,420 and the Nifty added 15 points to close at 5,532 even thought the start was disappointing. The broader markets had a muted day with the midcap index closing in the negative, down 0.2% and the small cap index gaining marginally by 0.1% as compared to the BSE benchmark index, Sensex up 0.2%.  Among the sectoral indices, metal and auto indices were the major laggards through the day. Metal and mining stocks had a tough time as weak US economic data raised doubts over global economic recovery. Hindalco Industries, Welcorp, Bhushan Steel, Sesa Goa and Jindal Saw down 1% each were the major losers. The market breadth was negative. Of the total 2903 stocks traded on the BSE, 1461 stocks declined while 1326 advanced.