Indian shares fell on Thursday for a second consecutive session, retreating from earlier gains of as much as 1.2 percent as investors felt domestic markets already sufficiently reflect expectations for a later start in US rate rises. Most global markets rallied towards all-time highs after the Federal Reserve signalled it was in no rush to push borrowing costs higher despite removing a reference to being "patient" on interest rates from its policy statement on Wednesday.
In India, however, shares had already risen to record highs earlier this month but have retreated amid concerns about a lack of triggers.
The benchmark BSE index closed 0.53 percent lower at 28,469.67 points. Earlier in the day, it gained as much as 1.25 percent.
The broader NSE index ended down 0.59 percent, after gaining as much as 1.18 percent earlier.
Lenders led the decliners with the bank index of the NSE down 1.76 percent. State Bank of India fell 2 percent and ICICI Bank closed 1.4 percent lower.
The Fed committee chose to remove the promise it would be "patient in beginning to normalise the stance of monetary policy" but said it would raise rates when it feels "reasonably confident" that inflation will move toward its 2 pct goal over the medium term.
A rate hike by the Fed could force overseas investors, who have been the backbone of Indian shares' record-setting rally so far, to cut positions.
Foreign portfolio investors have invested $5.4 billion so far this year, in addition to $16.1 billion in 2014, regulatory data showed.
"India is gaining tracking higher U.S shares but the risk of higher US rates remains," said Aneesh Srivastava, chief investment officer at IDBI Federal Life Insurance, adding that it would be best not to rule out a decline in India alongside other emerging markets. Exporters led gains. TCS rose 1.5 percent, while Wipro advanced 1 percent.
Among pharmaceutical exporters, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries rose 1.5 percent and Lupin gained 3.6 percent.
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