Equity benchmark indices closed in red, trading largely
flat on the last day of the financial year 2021-22. BSE Sensex lost its early
gains to end lower by 115 points, pulled down by selling in index heavyweights
such as Reliance Industries, Infosys and HDFC Bank after a three-day rally.

The BSE Sensex declined by 115.48 points or 0.20% to
settle at 58,568.51 in volatile trade due to the expiry of monthly derivatives
contracts. During the day, it touched a high of 58,890.92 and a low of
58,485.79. 

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The broader NSE Nifty fell 33.50 points or 0.19% to close
at 17,464.75.

During fiscal 2021-22, the BSE Sensex surged 9,059.36
points or 18.29%, while the NSE Nifty jumped 2,774.05 points or 18.88%.

Among the sectors, realty and FMCG ended in the green
while pharma, IT and PSU Banks settled lower.

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Top gainers from the 30-share pack were M&M up by
1.95%, Hindustan Unilever up by 1.66%, Axis Bank up by 1.39%, Bharti Airtel
down by 0.80%, IndusInd Bank down by 0.93%, ITC down by 0.66% and Titan Company
up by 0.50%.

Among the major laggards were Reliance Industries down by
1.46%, Wipro down by 1.44%, Dr Reddy’s Labs down by 1.04%, Ultratech Cement
down by 0.59%, Infosys down by 0.55%.

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The rupee rallied 14 paise to close at 75.76 against the
US dollar following strong Asian peers and a fall in global crude oil prices.

Among Asian markets, bourses in Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong
Kong settled lower, while Seoul ended higher. European markets were mostly
trading in the red.

US stock exchange ended with losses in the overnight
session.

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Brent Crude, an international oil benchmark, plunged
5.09% to USD 107.68 per barrel amid reports that the US was considering
releasing a record 180 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves.

According to stock exchange data, foreign institutional
investors were buyers as they bought shares worth Rs 1,357.47 crore on a net
basis on Wednesday.