Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS): A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Friday closed a whopping 324 points lower amid negative cues from other global bourses over fears of another round of recession in Europe and the US.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,237.78 points, closed at 16,145.01 points (provisional), down 324.78 points or 1.97 percent compared to its previous close at 16,469.79 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange ended 1.97 percent lower at 4,846.75 points.
The BSE midcap closed 1.05 percent down, while the smallcap index ended 1.7 percent lower. Broader market indices like the BSE 500 edged 1.57 percent lower.