At close, the Sensex was down 617.26 points or 1.08% at 56,579.89, and the Nifty was down 218.00 points or 1.27% at 16,954.00. About 1008 shares have advanced, 2435 shares declined, and 136 shares are unchanged. Coal India, BPCL, Tata Steel, Hindalco Industries and SBI Life Insurance were among the top Nifty losers while gainers included Bajaj Auto, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Maruti Suzuki and HDFC.