In a highly volatile trade, Indian stock indices hovered substantially lower from the previous closing, largely due to sustained selling by foreign portfolio investors.
The BSE Sensex fell by 494.75 points, or 0.61 per cent, to close at 81,006.61, while the NSE Nifty declined by 221.45 points, or 0.89 per cent, to settle at 24,749.85.
Indian stock markets opened flat on Wednesday as the monthly and quarterly expiry date approaches, though experts noted that the markets are still in bull mode.
The stock market on Thursday closed with minor gains in a rangebound session. On Thursday, the NSE Nifty 50 edged up by 0.16 per cent to close at 24,810.20, while the BSE Sensex gained 0.14 per cent, ending at 81,017.40.
As the nation celebrates its 78th Independence Day, it reflects on a journey marked by numerous challenges and fluctuations. Similarly, the country's stock markets have experienced their own ups and downs but have shown significant growth and resilience.
The BSE Sensex ended 56.98 points lower, settling at 79,648.92, while the NSE Nifty declined by 20.50 points to close at 24,347.00. Among the Nifty companies, 19 saw advances while 30 recorded declines.
The NSE Nifty 50 index opened at 24,379 points with a gain of 64 points, while the BSE Sensex also surged 193 points to 80,093 during the opening trade.
The NSE Nifty 50 index gained 40 points to 24,360 points, while BSE Sensex also surged marginally with a gain of 180 points to 80,110 at the time of filing this report. Tuesday marks the second consecutive day when markets opened on a flat note.
The BSE Sensex closed 53.07 points down at 79,996.60, falling just short of the 80,000 mark, while the NSE Nifty inched up 21.70 points to close at 24,323.85.