Brent crude is seeing further softening to 26-month lows. Globally, disappointing Chinese data weighs on Asian markets. Traders are also cautious ahead of the FOMC policy decision.

The sharemarket continues to slide further with the Nifty struggling below 8050. The 50-share index is down 59.30 points at 8046.20. The Sensex slips 206.23 points at 26854.81. Brent crude is seeing further softening to 26-month lows. Globally, disappointing Chinese data weighs on Asian markets.

Traders are also cautious ahead of the FOMC policy decision. Metals stocks are under pressure. Hindalco and Tata Steel are major laggards. Healthcare stocks are still gaining. Cipla is the top Nifty gainer as reports indicate Gilead Sciences is tying up Cipla and Strides for Hepatitis C drug.

HDFC Bank bucked the trend, up over 1 percent as Managing Director Aditya Puri is affirmative that the growth will get back to 25 percent and even 30 percent growth when the economy gets back to 6-7 percent growth, which he expects by FY16.

coustery : http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/local-markets/sensex-nifty-struggle-brent-near-2-yr-low-metals-melt_1178990.html