New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- The combined market capitalisation of eight out of the top 10 most valued companies declined by Rs.2,24,630.45 crore last week, with Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank witnessing the steepest losses, reflecting a bearish sentiment in the equity market.

The BSE benchmark slipped 1,497.2 points, or 1.84 per cent, during the same period.

Among the top-10 firms, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) suffered declines in their market valuation, while Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Hindustan Unilever posted gains.

Reliance Industries' market capitalisation dropped Rs.70,707.17 crore to Rs.18,36,424.20 cror...