Insight Bureau: The NSE Nifty 50 index was down 0.78 per cent or 138.25 points at 17,536.70, while the S&P BSE Sensex fell 0.67 per cent or 397.37 points to 58,567.20.
Mid- and small-cap shares were trading on a negative note as Nifty Midcap 100 fell 0.71 per cent and small-cap shares shed 0.40 per cent.
On the stock-specific front, Hindalco was the top loser as the stock cracked 3.06 per cent to Rs 558.70. Tata Motors, Coal India, Tata Steel and Wipro were also among the laggards.