STOCKS SETTLE IN THE RED AFTER A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE

Indian stock indices took a rollercoaster ride and settled marginally in the red the day the central government presented its interim Budget for 2024-25.

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Analysts said dampening performance in the indices could be due to below-expected capital expenditure markup in the Budget document and the US Fed's unclear guidance on loosening the monetary policy stance.

Some, however, attributed it to mild profit booking.

Sensex settled at 71,645.30 points, down 106.81 points or 0.15 per cent, and Nifty at 21,697.45 points, down 28.25 points or 0.13 per cent. Among the widely-tracked Nifty sectoral indices, Nifty media, Nifty metal, and Nifty realty declined the most. Nifty PSU bank on the other hand rose as high as over 3 per cent.

The broader market indices - Sensex and Nifty -- were in the green at the opening bell, but as the day progressed and with the tabling of the Budget it edged towards the red.