Sensex closes 451 points lower (Second Lead)

MUMBAI - A benchmark index of Indian equities Friday closed 451 points lower as selling pressure intensified across sectors, especially in heavyweight scrips.

The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 20,529.74 points, closed at 20,137.73 points - down 451.36 points or 2.19 percent from its previous close at 20,589.09 points.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 50-share S&P CNX Nifty ended at 6,058.5 points - down 2.19 percent or 135.75 points.

Broader markets indices closed in a slump too with the BSE midcap index ending 2.46 percent lower while the BSE smallcap index moved down 2.5 percent.