The benchmark Nifty-50 index has an immediate support at 23,222 and below that it could test support at 23,000. On the upside, the index faces resistance near 23,550, said experts

The benchmark Sensex declined 319 points to end at 77,187, while the Nifty fell 121 points to settle at 23,361. Broader market sentiment remained weak as midcap stocks underperformed, with the Nifty Midcap index slipping 497 points to 52,

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex closed 319.22 points or 0.41 per cent lower at Rs 77,186.74. The NSE Nifty slumped 121.10 points 0r 0.52 per cent to settle at 23,361.05.