The BSE sensitive index declined from the intra-day high of 3019.00 to finish at 2976.12, showing a net loss of 33.45 points from the previous close of 3009.57. The BSE-100 index drifted lower by 12.75 points to 1325.53 against the previous close of 1338.28.

The possible threat from a Comet on November 18 to satellite users predicted by ISRO also forced operators to minimise their long-term position to avoid panic situation. Pharmaceutical shares were in limelight, especially Glaxo which flared up on heavy bull support on informed buying. The total turnover was Rs 1168.34 crore. Reliance was the leader with aturnover of Rs 163.93 crore. But the scrip dropped by Rs 5.20 to Rs 121.60 on profit-taking. ITC, Pentafour, SBI and Zee Tele also remained subdued.

On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), pivotals reacted on emergence of selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and domestic funds. The S&P CNX Nifty fell by 4.50 to end at 867.25 from the last close of 871.75. The total volume of business was at Rs 1,320.13 crore. The exchange witnessed 442 scrips advance, 520 scrips decline and 106 scrips steady. 25 securities hit their price bands.