The Sensex, which had gained 1,094.78 points in past four trading sessions, fell down to end with a loss of 58.16 points at 16,440.56 profit-selling at existing higher levels. Brokers said a steep rise in share prices in the past four days attracted profit-booking by traders.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty lost 16.70 points at 4,881. 70.

Marketmen said sentiment for profit-selling was so strong that even Finance Minster Pranab Mukherjee's positive remarks on stimulus measures did not boost the sentiment,

"There is need of generating strong domestic demand till robust recovery takes place all over the world, particularly the developed economies", Mukherjee said.

A higher trend in Asian and European stock markets also failed in support the market, they added.

In the 30-BSE Sensex-linked stocks, 8 shares, including Reliance Industries, closed higher while 22 ended in negative zone led by Infosys Technologies.

Sensex heaviest RIL gained 1.39 per cent to Rs 2,052.60 while the second heaviest Infosys Technologies lost 0.71 per cent to Rs 2,218.20.