The DSE index (base 1983) closed 3.65 points lower at 696.79. Market analysts said that the poor showing at the Delhi bourse reflected the fears about the Japanese and Russian economies that had sent Tokyo's Nikkei stock average tumbling to a new 12-year closing low. Also, share prices at Hong Kong and Singapore were sharply lower early today.

Glaxo went down by Rs13 to close at 427.

Hindustan Lever shed 12 points to close at 1675. Other major losers were cement major ACC, Appolo Tyres, Colgate,ICICI,Nestle India, Silverline, State Bank of India, TISCO and Zee Telefilms and satyam computers.

The major gainer was Carrier Aircon going up Rs 11 to close at 252. Digital Equipment gained Rs 11 to close at 153.30. Other gainers were Bank of Baroda, Bank of Punjab,Bharat Heavy Electricals, Indian Petrochem, LML, Reliance Industries and Software Solution.

Equities decline onCSE

Starting with gains, equities declined further at the fag end on the Calcutta Stock Exchange following profit selling by institutional investors.

Accordingly, CSE share index dropped to 1732.11 points at close while its highest and lowest were 1737.20 points and 1715.98 points respectively. The turnover was steady and the undertone weak.