The 9000-mark remains elusive for the Nifty that retraces after hitting an intraday high off 8996. The 50-share is down 47.20 points at 8905.15. The Sensex is down 211.80 points at 29469.97. About 1330 shares have advanced, 950 shares declined, and 215 shares are unchanged.

Coal India, Dr Reddy’s Labs, HDFC twins and TCS are losers in the Sensex. Among the gainers are NTPC, BHEL, Hero, Tata Power and SBI. Brokers said apart from beginning of February series in the derivatives segment, continued buying by foreign funds as well as retail investors supported by improving macro economic data amid optimism over upcoming Budget and encouraging Q3 earnings by some bluechip companies, lifted the key indices to new highs.

Crude prices were mixed in Asia today, after the US Senate approved a bill to build an oil pipeline from Canada to refineries in the US Gulf Coast, adding to concerns over a supply glut. Gold rises after a slide and is poised to close the best monthly performance in a year. Globally, markets are mostly higher in Asia on firmer oil prices.

Coustery : http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/local-markets/nifty-below-8900-sensex-loses-over-300-pts-bankbaroda-falls-13_1287891.html