Sensex and Nifty plummeted as FPIs sold off, influenced by US inflation and tweak in India-Mauritius tax treaty. Investors are also cautious on valuations, profit booking, and rising commodities prices. EPS growth is likely to moderate in Q4 earnings season which begins today with TCS.
Positive commentary and target price hikes from CLSA and Jefferies also buoyed the shares, helping the Nifty Metal index surpass the 9,000 mark to hit a lifetime high. The index ended at 8,999.60, up 1% over the previous trading session. Benchmark indices ended half a per cent higher each.