The equity benchmark BSE Sensex ended below the key
58,000-level after a highly volatile session on February 16, pulled lower by
banking, metal and auto shares.

The 30-share Sensex closed 145.37 points or 0.25% lower
at 57,996.68 after moving nearly 800 points during the session. Similarly, the
NSE Nifty settled 30.25 points or 0.17% lower at 17,322.20.

Among sectoral indices, auto, IT, power, metal, PSU bank,
capital goods witnessed heavy selling, while healthcare, oil & gas and
realty sectors ended in the green. The midcap index ended flat while smallcap
index rose 0.42%.

Out of 30 Sensex constituents, 22 shares closed with
losses. Among the major losers were NTPC falling by 1.63%, SBI by 1.58%,
UltraTech Cement by 1.56%, ICICI Bank by 1.39%, Tata Steel by 1.28%, Bajaj
Finserv by 0.96% and Bajaj Finance by 0.91%.

Among the Asian market, bourses closed with significant
gains amid tensions of Russia invading Ukraine dissipated.

International crude oil benchmark Brent futures fell
0.19% to USD 93.06 per barrel.

According to stock exchange data, foreign institutional
investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital market on Tuesday, as they
offloaded shares worth Rs 2,298.76 crore.

The rupee surged 25 paise at 75.07 against the US
currency on Wednesday.