Breaking a string of losses of the past 7 days, the Sensex ended above the 26,000 level by racking up modest gains on Friday, aided by pharma, auto and capital goods, but registered a weekly drop. For the week, the Sensex lost 448.86 points, or 1.69 per cent, while the broader NSE Nifty dropped 153.70 points, or 1.88 per cent.
This is their biggest weekly drop in five, which is since the week ended November 18. Domestic investors backed up and covering-up of short positions gave equities a push too. But a weak trend in Asia and a mixed opening in Europe cast their shadow. The rupee appreciated 17 paise against the dollar at 67.82, which had a positive influence, brokers said.