Mkts drift sideways as volumes thin

Indian equities ended marginally lower on Wednesday in subdued trade during a holiday-shortened week, as investors largely stayed on the sidelines in the absence of fresh triggers and with the calendar year drawing to a close.

- FPJ News Service

Trading volumes were thin, mirroring muted sentiment across broader Asian markets.

The benchmark 30-share BSE Sensex declined 116.14 points to close at 85,408.70, after moving within a narrow intraday range. The index touched a low of 85,342.19. The broader NSE Nifty 50 also edged lower, shedding 35.05 points to settle at 26,142.10.