Sensex, Nifty decline after a climb

Investors kept their bets on hold today as key indices traded lower ahead of exit poll results of Gujarat election.

Power, consumer durables, IT, technology and FMCG counters witnessed investor caution.

The 30-share BSE index went down 72 points -- 0.22 per cent -- at 32,981.04 at 1212 hours.

The 50-share Nifty too traded lower by 22.50 points, or 0.22 per cent, at 10,170.45.

Wholesale inflation spurted to 3.93 per cent in November, from 3.59 per cent in October, showed government data.

The big loser was TCS 3.52 per cent, along with Wipro and Adani Ports.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) net sold shares worth Rs 578.65 crore yesterday. Even domestic institutional investors (DIIs) offloaded equities to the tune of Rs 116.48 crore.

Asian markets were trading mixed.

US stocks climbed yesterday, with the Dow posting a record closing, after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates.

Investors also digested the news of Congressional leaders reaching a tentative agreement on a tax overhaul plan.