Sensex, Nifty Edge Lower On Global Cues

(RTTNews) - Indian shares opened on a muted note Monday, tracking weak global markets after U.S. defense secretary Jim Mattis abruptly quit and reports suggested that President Donald Trump has privately discussed the possibility of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

Worries over a partial U.S. government shutdown also haunted investors, with Trump's budget director and chief of staff saying the partial government shutdown could continue into January.

The benchmark BSE Sensex was down 57 points or 0.16 percent at 35,685, while the broader Nifty index was down 17 points or 0.16 percent at 10,737.

Infosys climbed 1.2 percent on share buyback news.

Jet Airways was marginally lower after announcing festive discounts on domestic and international fares.

Himachal Futuristic Communications advanced 1.7 percent on winning two contracts worth Rs 148 crore from L&T.

Piramal Enterprises rose half a percent on fund raising reports.

Fortis Healthcare edged up slightly after market regulator SEBI directed the company and Fortis Hospitals to recover Rs 403 crore with interest from Singh brothers.

Reliance Industries was moving lower after acquiring a 5.56 percent equity stake in a technology start-up.

Unichem Laboratories rallied 2.1 percent on receiving ANDA approval from the U.S. health regulator for Pramipexole Dihydrochloride tablets.

Tata Sponge Iron tumbled 2.6 percent after ICRA downgraded the company's long-term ratings for bank facilities.