Prominent gainers on the Sensex at this time were ACC, up 2.08 percent at Rs.919; Reliance Infra, up 1.83 percent at Rs.1,210.50; Infosys, up 1.72 percent at Rs.2,078.90; and ONGC, up 1.53 percent at Rs.1,158.50.

Among losers on the 30-scrip Sensex were Hindalco, down 3.5 percent at Rs.109; Maruti Suzuki, down 2.76 percent at Rs.1,446; DLF, down 2.55 percent at Rs.388.20, and Jaiprakash Associates, down 2.51 percent at Rs.238.60.

In other Asian markets, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average, a key index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, closed lower at 10,252.53 points, down 122.48 points.

The Hang Seng, the primary index of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, was ruling in the red at 20,502.4 points, down 294.03 points.

European markets opened weak Wednesday, adding to the bearish sentiment at Indian markets.