Sensex extends losses on monsoon concerns, loses 150 pts

The 50-share National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell 43.75 points to 4,437.65, after moving between 4,562.50 and 4,399.85 points during the day.

A weak opening at the European stock markets this afternoon further precipitated the deline.

Auto sector shares led by Mahindra and Mahindra, the largest maker of sport-utility vehicles and tractors, sank 9.12 per cent.

The auto sector index fell 4.52 per cent to 5,210.27, followed by fast-moving consumer goods, which was down 2.96 per cent to 2,479.02, as segment majors Hindustan Unilever and ITC Ltd suffered heavy losses.