Sensex, Nifty continue to fall

Extending the losing streak to the fourth day, benchmark BSE Sensex declined by 280 points on Wednesday due to profit booking in financial and banking shares after the government announced a hike in securities transaction tax and short-term capital gains tax in the Budget for 2024-25.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 280.16 points or 0.35 per cent to settle at 80,148.88 with 19 of its components closing lower and 11 with gains. During the day, it tumbled 678.53 points or 0.84 per cent to 79,750.51.

The NSE Nifty dropped 65.55 points or 0.27 per cent to 24,413.50.