Indian shares closed 0.58 percent lower on Wednesday as investors locked in profits after the key index touched an intra-day record high in early trading, dealers said. The Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-share benchmark Sensex index fell 37.64 points to close at 6,413.66, after touching the high of 6,479.62. The previous intra-day high was 6.461.64 set Tuesday.
The Reliance Industries group continued to record gains, with Reliance Industries closing up 1.88 percent or 9.15 rupees at 494.65 while Reliance Energy ended up 1.16 percent or 6.1 rupees at 530.65 rupees.
The company told the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Tuesday that it has sought to amend its articles of association to give powers to Reliance Industries to nominate the chairman and vice-chairman of the power company.
Software stocks witnessed selling pressure with frontrunner Infosys Technologies closing 1.55 percent or 32.7 rupees lower at 2,083.20.
Infosys has warned of a squeeze in profit margins in coming quarters due to the weakening dollar.
"Profit-booking was seen in technology and banking stocks. Some amount of consolidation at higher levels was expected, though the undertone is still clearly very positive," said a dealer with institutional brokerage Jamnadas Morarjee.
The board of state-owned Indian Oil Corporation, which plans to merge with IBP, has recommended a swap ratio of 1.25 shares of IOC for every one share of IBP.
The markets were not enthused with this and IOC closed 1.1 percent or 5.8 rupees lower at 515.95 rupees. IBP stock closed 1.57 percent or 9.8 rupees lower at 615.7.
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